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Nurse Navigators
Offer You Guidance Through Cancer
A
cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming, and
coordinating all the appointments and paperwork
adds another layer of complexity. To help, Meridian
Cancer Care developed an oncology nurse navigator
program, available to every cancer patient treated across
Meridian. The goal? To ease the burden of cancer care.
“Oncology nurse navigators provide patients with an
advocate, someone who is there for them through it all,”
explains Mark Krasna, M.D., corporate medical director for
Oncology Services at Meridian Health. “These oncology
navigators help patients connect the many dots that are
involved in cancer care.”
Sharing the Burden
Dawn Olesen and her husband, John, understand the value of
the oncology nurse navigator program. Dawn came to Ocean
Medical Center for radiation treatment after being diagnosed
with breast cancer. Before beginning radiation, an Ocean
technician found a suspicious mass that was missed at the
other facility. This meant Dawn would need a third surgery.
“I was relieved that the abnormality was found, but I
knew it meant I had another mountain to climb,” explains
Dawn. “Thankfully, I had a nurse navigator with me from
the beginning.”
That was Donna Colabroy, R.N. She helps cancer
patients by explaining treatment options, answering
questions, and coordinating appointments. Also,
whenever possible, she is with patients during tests or
procedures.
“Navigators strive to provide care that is individualized
to each person’s specific needs,” says Donna. “This can
be helpful in alleviating some of the fear that can be
associated with a cancer diagnosis. Patients often express
thanks and relief in having a contact person at the hospital
who can provide education and support.”
Someone to Lean On
Facing a personal battle with cancer is difficult enough,
but while Dawn underwent radiation treatment, her
husband was diagnosed with invasive lung cancer.
“Everything was going at a fast pace. I stopped focusing on
me and started focusing on him,” recalls Dawn. “We couldn’t
do it all. Thankfully, we had our nurse navigators to lean on.”
Helping You Navigate Cancer
Being hit by a car cost Stuart Manuel his leg, but it didn’t affect his spirit, his
determination, or his devotion to his 7-year-old daughter, Uhnylah.
John and Dawn Olesen, happily married for 26 years, found support to cope
with their cancer diagnoses in each other and in the oncology nurse navigators
offered to them through Meridian Cancer Care.
Joyce Cline-Blasi, R.N., served as John’s oncology nurse
navigator. “Everyone with cancer has different needs. It’s
a privilege to be that go-to person and help make the
process as smooth as possible,” she says. “For many of my
patients, I become an extension of their family. But they
give as much back to me as I give to them.”
Today, Dawn is finished with radiation treatment but is
still helping John through lung cancer. She can’t say enough
about the help of their oncology nurse navigators. “To
these women, it’s not just a job. They truly care,” Dawn says.
“I don’t know how we could have done it without them.” •
Meridian Health currently has 10 oncology nurse navigators. Each one specializes in specific cancers, such as
breast, lung, head and neck, digestive, and bladder cancers, but they are all trained to help people with any type
of cancer, and every patient at a Meridian Health hospital has access to one of these exceptional team members.
Meridian Health
Meridian HealthViews • September/October 2012
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