Oncology nurse navigator core competencies and patient satisfaction

Oncology nurse navigators (ONNs) are increasingly recognized for their vital role in improving the quality of cancer care by supporting patients throughout their treatment journey. In Egypt, nurse navigation implementation remains limited, and empirical evidence examining the relationship between ONN competencies and patient satisfaction is scarce. This study aimed to assess the core competencies of ONNs and their relationship to patient satisfaction at a leading cancer center in Egypt. A descriptive correlational study was conducted among 65 ONNs and 404 oncology patients at a major oncology hospital in Cairo. Data were collected using 2 previously developed instruments: the ONN Core Competencies Questionnaire and the Patient Satisfaction with the Navigator Scale. The mean total ONN competency score was 79.28 ± 8.24, and the mean patient satisfaction score was 93.18 ± 5.68. At the nurse-navigator level, overall ONN competency was strongly and positively associated with navigator-level mean patient satisfaction ( r = .70, 95% CI [.55–.81], P < .001). All competency domains were positively associated with mean patient satisfaction, with the strongest domain-level associations observed for Expert ONN competency ( r = .65, 95% CI [.50–.78]) and coordination of care ( r = .56, 95% CI [.37–.71]). Competency scores differed significantly according to nurse age, education, experience, and training frequency, whereas patient satisfaction differed significantly according to patient age and gender. Higher ONN competency scores were associated with higher navigator-level mean patient satisfaction, particularly for expert navigation and care coordination competencies. These findings support continued professional development and strengthening of oncology nurse navigation services; however, the observed associations are nurse-level and cross-sectional and should not be interpreted as individual-patient-level or causal effects.