For Emily Onderi, RN, IgCN, nursing has never been about checking boxes or managing cases; it’s about real people. As a Clinical Care Navigator (CCN) at AOM Infusion, Emily plays a central role in guiding patients through their care, serving as a consistent, trusted guide throughout the care journey.
Emily is often the person patients come to know best. She stays closely connected between visits, checking in, answering questions, and helping coordinate care with a steady, familiar presence. By keeping communication clear and care aligned, Emily helps patients feel informed, supported, and confident throughout their treatment journey.
“My focus is on patient safety and advocacy. A big part of my role is using clinical judgment to educate and help patients understand their treatment, anticipate potential risks, and make informed decisions — especially when they’re navigating complex or rare conditions.”
AOM’s patient-centered approach is what drew her in, and what earned her recognition from her peers as Employee of the Quarter. While she may describe herself as shy, those who work alongside her see a nurse deeply committed to advocacy, education, and ensuring patients never feel alone in their care journey.
A Steady Presence for Patients
What Emily finds most fulfilling about her role is knowing her work creates real, visible change for patients. “This is the first job I’ve had where we’re working with rare conditions, and you can truly see the impact,” she shares. “Seeing patients go from being wheelchair-bound to walking again; that’s the most rewarding part.”
As a Clinical Care Navigator, Emily helps patients understand what to expect throughout their treatment, offering reassurance, clarity, and steady support that helps patients feel informed, confident, and supported throughout their care. Whether it’s navigating insurance or helping find the right therapy and care setting, she makes the process feel more manageable for patients.
“It’s not just about coordinating treatment — it’s about making sure care is clinically appropriate, safe, and individualized. Many patients are facing a new diagnosis, and part of my role is helping translate complex information into a clear, manageable plan. My role is to help patients regain a sense of control. When care feels overwhelming, I help break it down, identify what matters most for safety and outcomes, and support patients in actively participating in decisions about their care.”
By walking them through their care and answering questions along the way, she works to help them regain a sense of control and empowers patients to actively participate in their health journey.
“It’s most rewarding when a patient or family member feels more assured and less overwhelmed,” she says. “That’s when I know I’ve done my job.”
Compassion is the Essence of Care
Emily believes compassion is the backbone of nursing, especially in infusion care, where patients are often navigating complex, rare chronic conditions.
“It’s easy to become task-oriented in healthcare, but infusion care requires both precision and compassion. When you combine strong clinical skills with genuine empathy, you create safer care and better outcomes.”
That philosophy shapes every interaction she has. For Emily, care goes beyond coordination. “It’s about making sure patients feel heard, respected, and accommodated in every way,” as they navigate their care journey.
Emily brings a keen clinical awareness to her role, ensuring each patient’s care is safe, coordinated, and seamless. She is skilled at spotting patterns, asking the right questions, and supporting decisions that keep every patient’s health on track and in alignment with their needs.
Her recent Immunoglobulin Certified Nurse (IgCN) credential further reinforces this expertise, strengthening her ability to anticipate risks and advocate for patient safety at every step. This combination of vigilance and compassion ensures patients feel supported and reassured throughout their treatment.
A Culture That Empowers Compassionate Care
Emily credits AOM’s culture for creating the space for nurses to care for patients at this level.
“We have such a supportive team culture,” she explains. “No one is ever left alone. Even though we work remotely, we’re always communicating and checking in with one another.”
That sense of connection, paired with AOM’s strong focus on patient advocacy and safety, allows nurses to stay focused on what matters most: helping patients feel informed, supported, and cared for throughout their treatment journey.
“It’s important to know you’re supported,” Emily adds. “When you have that, you can show up fully for your patients.”
For Emily Onderi, helping patients feel safe, informed, and understood isn’t just part of the job; it’s why she chose nursing in the first place.
Looking for a nursing role where you can guide patients, advocate for their care, and keep growing as a clinician? Explore nursing opportunities with AOM Infusion.
