For patients and loved ones dealing with a breast cancer diagnosis, it can suddenly feel like your world has been turned upside down. We know that cancer doesn’t just affect the patient, but their whole community. From choosing a treatment plan to the everyday struggles of recovery, it’s common to feel scared, overwhelmed, or alone – no matter what your support system looks like. Sometimes we all need a little extra help as we navigate the difficulties in life – that is where Patient Navigators come in. We recently reached out to Navigators across the state for some great expert advice.
What is a Patient Navigator?
Patient Navigators, sometimes called a nurse navigator, oncology navigator, coordinator, case manager, or resource person, are trained medical professionals employed by your hospital or treatment center that will get to know you and the specifics of your diagnosis. Each diagnosis is as different as each patient, and they can help you customize your individual treatment plan. With so much new information to take in, navigators will help educate you about everything that you need to understand in order to choose your best path moving forward.
Oncology Nurse Navigation Team at Centra’s Alan B. Pearson Regional Cancer Center
“Patient navigators provide support, education, and collaboration between the treatment team and the patient…A cancer diagnosis is scary and life-changing. I find using my knowledge about the disease to provide support and education provides the patient with tools to deal with their disease, and letting them know what to expect decreases their anxiety and prepares them to make decisions about their treatment. It empowers them.”
Heidi Miller, BSN, RN, OCN
Every Woman’s Life Clinical Coordinator
How can a Patient Navigator help me?
Even after you understand your diagnosis, you may need help scheduling appointments, working out the financial aspects of treatment, finding support groups, and more. These Navigators know the ins and outs of cancer treatment better than most, and they will be able to point you in the right direction for almost any concern you may have throughout your journey.
“When a patient has been diagnosed with cancer it’s like they have been dropped off in a foreign country and the navigator is their tour guide. We help them speak the language and understand the lay of the land, so to speak. I always joke that we are in the professional business of keeping patients’ ducks in a row…we realize that you don’t do this every day so you aren’t expected to understand what is going on. Remember that we do this every day and are happy to do anything that we can to make this process easier for [you]. The navigator becomes the patient’s single point of contact during a very confusing time. With so many appointments to keep straight and so many scary things that they are facing, it’s comforting to know that the navigator is there to offer support.”
Amanda Bruffy, RN, BSN, CNRN, OCN
Manager of Clinical Operations for Radiation Oncology and Oncology Nurse Navigation
Centra, Alan B. Pearson Regional Cancer Center
Amanda Bruffy, RN, BSN, CNRN, OCN
How do I find a Patient Navigator?
After a new diagnosis, you may not even think to ask for a Patient Navigator right away. If your doctor doesn’t provide contact information, give their office a call and see if they can connect you. You can also check the hospital/health system website – most will list the contact information in several places for cancer patients.
If you are having trouble finding a Navigator in your area, the Virginia Breast Cancer Foundation has a list by regions available on our website. Click here to view our Patient Navigators list. Please note, VBCF provides this list as a service to the community and some of the information may change.
Deanna Lam, RN, BSN, CN-BN
“I think having a nurse navigator is of utmost importance to patients with a diagnosis of cancer because it can calm their fear/anxiety knowing they can reach out to someone knowledgeable with any questions or concerns and they will get answers. It’s especially important for the patient to know the navigator provides honest, unbiased, evidence-based information. The patient understands that ‘there is this one person who is following me, and whom I can count on for support,’ but who is a part of my team. My advice to all patients as they begin their cancer journey is to take one day, one step in the treatment plan at a time. I also encourage them to practice self-care, engage in activities that bring them joy, take walks, stay hydrated, and call me even if it’s just to talk through what they’re feeling at the moment.”
Deanna Lam, RN, BSN, CN-BN
Integrated Care Manager/Breast Patient Navigator
Sentara Breast Surgery Specialists
If you need help getting in touch, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us for assistance. You can contact our Operations Coordinator, Nikki Jennings, at nikki@vbcf.rg. You can also call our office at 804-285-1200 or toll-free at 800-345-8223.
