Embedding Undergraduate Nursing Students as Patient Navigators in Federally Qualified Health Centers

Abstract

Background: Enhancing nursing care coordination systems supports improvement of colorectal cancer (CRC) screening rates. This project implemented a nursing student-led patient navigation model to address open colonoscopy referrals while providing experiential, systems-based learning aligned with Kolb's experiential learning theory. Method: Undergraduate nursing students in a community-focused clinical course were trained as patient navigators and partnered with nine federally qualified health centers (FQHC) to review and act on open colonoscopy referrals. Results: Students assessed 303 open referrals, resulting in 26% completed colonoscopies, 43% nonadherent cases, and 21% scheduled but wait listed. Through hands-on navigation activities, students strengthened competencies in communication, care coordination, workflow problem solving, and health equity advocacy. Conclusion: A student-led navigation model is feasible and educationally valuable while improving CRC screening processes. This scalable approach enhances workforce readiness by providing real-world systems practice and supports FQHCs in reducing persistent screening barriers.