Your Partner in Navigating Cancer Care

Imagine having someone who helps guide you, every step of the way, through your or a loved one’s cancer journey. Cancer is a life-altering experience that can be confusing, stressful and overwhelming for patients and their families. This is where an oncology nurse navigator comes in.

“When a patient is diagnosed with cancer, they can feel unsure where to start,” said Kerrie Shojaie, oncology nurse navigator at Houston Methodist Hospital. “We help them navigate through this journey that is challenging, not only emotionally, but physically, and oftentimes financially.”

WHAT IS AN ONCOLOGY NURSE NAVIGATOR?

An oncology nurse navigator is a registered nurse who specializes in helping patients and families through their cancer journey. They provide a range of services, including education, support, and advocacy. Their primary goal is to ensure that patients receive the best quality care and support.

“Our goal is to champion a relationship with the patient at diagnosis or jump in to assist at any point in time during their cancer journey,” said Anjali Keshavamurthy, an oncology nurse navigator at Houston Methodist Neal Cancer Center. “Our roles are multifaceted and provide advocacy and are an extra layer of support through this challenging time.”

WHAT DO ONCOLOGY NURSE NAVIGATORS DO?

Coordinate care. One of the key roles of cancer nurse navigators is to coordinate care. They work closely with the patient and their health care team to develop a comprehensive treatment plan. The oncology nurse navigator also makes sure that all aspects of care are integrated and coordinated. They communicate directly with doctors, including oncologists, surgeons and radiation therapists.

Provide education. Oncology nurse navigators help patients understand their diagnosis and treatment options and explain any potential side effects and ways to manage them. “We also help provide little tricks of the trade that can help them get through bad days and encourage them on how to enjoy the good days,” Shojaie said.

C onnect patients to resources. They connect patients and their families w ith resources, such as community outreach and support groups. “We can connect them to resources either within Houston Methodist or in the community,” Keshavamurthy said. “We also can assist with emotional support through our counseling program.”

Advocate for patients. Oncology nurse navigators connect their patients to people who can assist with insurance needs as well as oncology financial navigators to address their financial barriers. They also serve as a liaison between patients and their care team, communicating important information and ensuring patients receive the care they need.

The oncology nurse navigator prepares the survivorship care plan. As survivors, patients will have a portfolio of their treatment history including drugs, surgeries and potential long term side effects. Plus, any future follow up care. Survivors may choose to share the plan with family or doctors.

“Our goal as oncology nurse navigators is to make sure that every cancer patient is getting what they need, with the highest quality of care, and providing them with all of the resources that are available,” Shojaie said. •