Spring, 2013 - Hartford Hospital!

Nurse Navigators lead the way
Your guides to the world of cancer care at the Helen & Harry Gray Cancer Center
Experienced nurses help patients
navigate the difficult passages of
cancer care. A nurse navigator can
offer lifesaving advice to those who
are suddenly confronted by a new
cancer diagnosis or daunting treatment
choices.
“My nurse navigator, Marlene, was
very concerned about me and gave
me helpful hints for managing the
side effects of chemotherapy,” said
a patient we’ll call Collette, who was
recently diagnosed with a gastrointestinal
stromal tumor (GIST). “She
came to see me in the hospital. It’s
a great idea to have someone as a
resource who can offer not only reassurance,
but also practical help.”
“Karen Cudworth leads a team of
five cancer nurse navigators,” said
Andrew Salner, M.D., director of
Hartford Hospital’s Helen & Harry
Gray Cancer Center. “Hartford Hospital is one of only
21 hospitals nationwide to be named a National Cancer
Institute Community Cancer Center, which will help to assist,
educate and better treat the needs of patients, including
those from underserved populations.”
The Cancer Center recently added an American Cancer
Society patient navigator who helps newly diagnosed patients
with rides, information and other resources, as well
as navigation for those with abnormal screening tests
who need access to specialists for diagnosis.
“Our nurse navigators are your guides,” said Dr. Salner.
“They can answer your pressing questions right away, help
coordinate your care, refer you to the appropriate cancer
support staff and resources and
even book timely appointments
with your specialists. After treatment,
our Patient Survivorship
navigation programs ease the
transition from active cancer care
to lifelong wellness.”
Nurse navigators have transformed
cancer care for many
patients. In 1990, Harold Freeman,
M.D., pioneered the concept of
nurse navigation in New York’s
Harlem Hospital to help local
residents navigate the complex
world of medicine and health
care, according to oncologist
Mohanakrishnan Menon, M.D.
“Here at Hartford Hospital, the
care of cancer patients involves
doctors from multiple specialties,”
added Dr. Menon. “Nurse navigators
play an important role in coordinating
this care. They enable communication between the
patients and their care providers and facilitate transfer of
information between the providers as well.”
For more information, call 860.545.6000 or visit www.harthosp.
org/cancer.
Nurse navigators at the Helen & Harry Gray Cancer Center include,
from left, Barbara Gaughan, R.N. (Thoracic and Hematology); Paige
Woodruff (Breast Care); Karen Cudworth, R.N., M.S.N. (Manager and
Cancer Connect nurse); Erin Williams, R.N., B.S.N. (Neurology, Head &
Neck, and Melanoma/Skin cancer); Marlene Silvis, R.N., M.P.H., OCN,
CHPN (GI cancer); and (not shown) Susanne Brown, R.N. (Gynecologic
& Genitourinary); Deb Walker, APRN (Survivorship Program) and Mary
Ann Vanderjagt (American Cancer Society Patient Navigator).