Hearing the words, “you have cancer” is overwhelming for patients and their families. You may have questions or concerns about treatments, understanding your options, getting to appointments and coping with emotional stress.
What if you had a personal advocate knowledgeable in these areas and more, ready to help you? At Bryan Health that is exactly the promise we make to our patients. As an oncology nurse navigator, I have the privilege of walking beside patients and their loved ones through every step of their cancer care.
What Is An Oncology Nurse Navigator?
An oncology nurse navigator is an experienced cancer care nurse who serves as a personal guide, advocate, educator and liaison. Health care can be complex and confusing. My job is to help you receive the most personalized, timely care possible.
How Oncology Navigators Support Your Care
- Educate and Empower: Provide clear, accurate information to help you make informed decisions about your care. This includes helping you understand treatment options specific to your cancer diagnosis.
- Coordinate Care: Help to schedule appointments and ensure you have referrals to expert resources so you can focus entirely on healing.
- Streamline Communication: Act as a point of contact to communicate with all your providers about your treatment plan and follow-up appointments.
- Remove Barriers: Identify areas that might delay your care and help resolve them. This might include answering questions about insurance and financial assistance, coordinating rides to or from treatment, and connecting you with resources for any area of concern.
- Provide Emotional Support: Offer a compassionate listening ear and understanding to you and your family as you process the stress of your diagnosis.
The Advantage Of Specialized Guidance For Cancer Care
Research shows that patients who work with a nurse navigator have a better experience with less disruptions in their care. They feel more involved, more informed and much better prepared for the future.
A cancer diagnosis is life-changing. Having a dedicated, specialized advocate by your side can improve the way you experience your treatment. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer, you don’t have to figure it out alone. Bryan oncology nurse navigators are here to take that journey with you.
Can an Oncology Nurse Navigator Help You?
We’re here to support you. Expert cancer care is one call away: 402-481-7900
Learn more about Cancer Nurse Navigators at BryanHealth.org/CancerNurseNavigators.
Carmen McKathnie, BSN, RN, OCN®, CBCN®
Oncology Nurse Navigator, Bryan Medical Center
Carmen McKathnie is an oncology nurse navigator with Bryan Medical Center, specializing in breast cancer care. In addition to being an Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN®), she is also a Certified Breast Care Nurse (CBCN), undergoing specialized training and testing focused on care for breast cancer patients.
