Oncology Navigation
Guidance Through the Cancer Journey
Receiving a cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming, but you do not have to navigate it alone. Our oncology nurse navigators are here to support you every step of the way.
Available through physician or self-referral, Baptist Health System’s navigation program provides one-on-one guidance to each patient. The scope of services offered begins with education and insights into a patient’s respective cancer diagnosis –helping decipher medical terminologies and treatment plan options. Then, in alignment with patients’ physicians, providing coordination among a multidisciplinary team to facilitate access to care.
The goal of oncology navigation is to break down barriers that can get in the way of patients receiving needed treatments expediently. This can include medical barriers, as well as personal ones, like transportation to an appointment or childcare options during treatment. Our oncology navigators are in touch with community resources that can help fill gaps in seamless delivery of care.
According to the Oncology Nursing Society, navigation in oncology has been shown to:
- Reduce the time to diagnosis and treatment
- Improve patient and caregiver understanding
- Enhance adherence to recommended care
- Boost quality of life
- Lower healthcare costs by reducing ER visits and readmissions
Baptist Health System's oncology patient navigators are committed to compassionate, patient-centered care. We aim to make your cancer journey as seamless as possible for you and your loved ones.
An oncology nurse navigator is a registered nurse who has focused and advanced her knowledge of a specific area of cancer care over time and in multiple settings. Out of this focus, experience is accumulated, and insights are gained into the issues facing patients and their families. From a history of working with multidisciplinary medical teams, the oncology navigators understand the importance of communication, coordinating care, tracking patient progress, and providing ongoing education – from diagnosis through treatment to survivorship.
The key objective of oncology nurse navigators is to break down barriers to patients receiving the cancer care they need in a timely manner. Navigators provide essential education in explaining diagnoses and treatment options to the patients and their families. And they offer psychosocial support to help manage the emotional and practical challenges of cancer treatment.
Common patient barriers to care may include:
- Lack of transportation
- Lack of care for children or elderly relatives
- Not understanding the importance of cancer screenings
- Speaking a language other than English
- Mistrust of the healthcare system
- Fear of cancer screening procedures or receiving a diagnosis
Our oncology navigators have deep experience in breast cancer and are helping Baptist Hospital System provide a scope of expertise in thoracic cancers – the leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. Their involvement benefits patients and a multidisciplinary medical team by improving communication and helping ensure that each patient receives timely, comprehensive and compassionate care.
Baptist oncology nurse navigators are experienced registered nurses with backgrounds in various cancer care settings. They are available to empower patients and families with the support and education needed to navigate the cancer treatment journey, from diagnosis to survivorship.
If you or a loved one has recently been diagnosed with cancer or is currently undergoing treatment, our oncology nurse navigator program is here to support you. This free, confidential service is available to anyone seeking care and guidance from our oncology nurse navigators. Many patients come to us through referrals from their physicians, but that is not necessary. Patients can refer themselves.
Key steps to find a Baptist Health System Oncology Nurse Navigator are:
Step 1: Reach Out
Fill out the oncology navigator form, email us or call 210-297-CNCR (2627) to request assistance.
Step 2: Get Connected
An oncology navigator will contact you to discuss your needs.
Step 3: Get Individualized Support
Your oncology nurse navigator will educate you and your loved ones regarding your diagnosis, treatment plan and survivorship; coordinate care with doctors and the cancer care team; and facilitate access to needed community resources.
We are your partner in care through every step of your cancer journey.
Navigating Cancer.
Better Together.