Help in the right direction

Hearing those dreadful words from a doctor can be devastating. A cancer diagnosis is a time fi lled with fear and anxiety. It is also an extremely stressful time, as patients do not know what to expect or what challenges lie ahead.

Realizing that patients are much more than a diagnosis, Florida Hospital Waterman’s Cancer Institute offers a patient navigator program that is focused on patient and family-centered care. Eileen Bascomb, an oncology nurse for more than 20 years, serves as the hospital’s patient navigator. In her role, she helps support, guide, and educate cancer patients throughout every step of their journey. She serves as a liaison between patients and their care team, which ensures continuity of care during the treatment process.

Eileen maintains an unwavering passion to provide patients with answers and equip them with the necessary tools so they can make informed and educated decisions regarding their cancer care.

“I help patients navigate the labyrinth of cancer care,” she says. “I make sure their appointments are set and make sure patients are where they need to be. I also provide them with support because they need a safe place where they can come and share their thoughts and feelings. We are not charging patients; we do it because it is the right thing to do.”

Having a patient navigator like Eileen is undoubtedly one of the greatest gifts a cancer patient could possibly receive. Without question, she is a very hard-working and caring nurse who goes the extra mile for her patients. She even accompanies them to doctor appointments.

“If you are frightened about going to a doctor, sometimes you only hear every fourth or fi fth word a doctor is saying. I am like a second pair of ears for them. Once the appointment is over, we come back to my office and I help them understand what the doctor told them.”