Oncology Nurse Navigators

Knowledgeable. Understanding. Professional. Caring.

When you or a loved one is facing a cancer diagnosis, these are the words you want to hear about your cancer team. That’s exactly what the Oncology Nurse Navigators at HCCC deliver to their patients.

When you, or a loved one, are facing a cancer diagnosis, oncology nurse navigators help you “navigate” through services and information in the Holzer system, find appropriate medical and social services, and educate you and your family about the entire cancer journey.

What is an Oncology Nurse Navigator?

An Oncology Nurse Navigator:

• Understands the cancer disease process.
• Serves as both a patient advocate and a patient resource.
• Understands the local medical system.

What kind of help does an Oncology Nurse Navigator provide?

• Helps you “navigate” through services and information in the Holzer system.
• Helps you find appropriate medical and social services.
• Helps educate you and your family about the entire cancer journey.

During the first meeting, the Oncology Nurse Navigator will:

• Discuss emotional impact of the disease with you.
• Provide information on treatment decisions/processes.
• Provide information on support systems.
• Provide educational resources.
• Conduct a nursing assessment.
• Educate and support you and your family.
• Coordinate the multidisciplinary team’s approach.

Prior to beginning treatment, the Oncology Nurse Navigator will:

• Provide basic education on your predicted treatment path.
• Coordinate ALL of your tests and appointments (if you wish).
• Visit or contact you after your surgery.
• Coordinate psychological and social support programs.

After the treatment is over, the Navigators will help you:

• Coordinate physician follow-up schedules (including “survivorship clinic”).
• Coordinate support programming.
• Visit or contact you after your surgery.
• Provide education on the following:
  
  • Signs/symptoms of recurrence.
  • Nutrition, diet, and exercise.
  • Depression/anxiety.