Donna Moore Wilson RN, MSN, CBCN  is a High-Risk Breast Nurse Navigator with Sarah Cannon Institute at Henrico Doctors’ Hospital in Richmond, Virginia and is the co-founder and current chair of the Virginia Cancer Patient Navigator Network (VaCPNN). Donna has over 23 years of experience in oncology including caring for patients in the inpatient and outpatient settings. Donna has practiced as a nurse navigator since 2007 being instrumental in developing and formalizing navigation programs within the health systems where she works. Donna recently left oncology to serve as the high risk-breast nurse navigator and formalize the high-risk breast program at HCA Advanced Diagnostic Breast Center at Henrico Doctors Hospital.

Since 2007 VaCPNN has met quarterly to provide education, best practices, and networking to oncology navigators across Virginia. Under her leadership the Virginia Cancer Patient Navigator Network has aligned with the Academy of Oncology Nurse and Patient Navigators and the Cancer Action Coalition of Virginia organizations. In 2018, VaCPNN won the Academy of Oncology Nurse & Patient Navigators Outstanding Local Navigator Award.

Donna received her first degree in nursing from John Tyler Community College and most recently completed Master of Science in Nursing from University of Phoenix. She is a Certified Breast Care Nurse through the Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation.

Donna has served as an expert reviewer, mentor to navigators, and a consultant on patient navigation. Donna has received many accolades during her career including the Bon Secours Sister Elizabeth Durney Award, the Virginia March of Dimes Oncology Nurse of the Year Award, OurHealth Richmond Magazine Outstanding Nurses Award, Oncology Nursing Society Foundation Masters Scholarship Merit Award, University of Phoenix Alumni Spirit Award, and the VCUH Dalton Clinic RN Excellence in Teaching Award.

Donna’s passion for navigation stems from her experience in working with oncology patients and that she supported her late husband in his cancer journey. Without realizing it, Donna was her husband’s oncology nurse navigator. That experience helped Donna realize the importance of the navigator’s role in serving as an advocate, educator, and facilitator for the patient and their families. For the health system, having a navigator involved facilitates collaboration and coordination with the patient’s treatment team resulting in positive patient outcomes.