Meet Our Oncology Nurse Navigators
Meet Our Oncology Nurse Navigators
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Jennifer Ysassi, MHA
Mobile: 210-440-4641
Fax: 210-730-9693
Email: [email protected]
Jennifer Ysassi began her healthcare career with Baptist Health System in 2004 working directly with patients at Baptist M&S Imaging. While working at Baptist, she earned an undergraduate degree in human resources then a master’s degree in healthcare administration. With an expanded knowledge of health care, Jennfier continued her work in diagnostic imaging but refined her focus. She discovered her desire to help patients with diagnosed with breast cancer, wanting to be a part of their journeys.
In her capacity as a lay person navigator, Jennifer is often the first point of contact for someone wanting to meet with an oncology nurse navigator. Her gentle kindness is a beacon of light for many during a very dark time. During patients’ journeys, Jennifer provides support and guidance in non-clinical yet needed areas, collaborating with community resources, and facilitating the work of the nurse navigators.
Jennifer Yssasi strives to foster strong relationships with patients and their families, as well as with clinicians and community resources. Her goals are clear: help improve patient outcomes by breaking down barriers to care, and to enhance the overall healthcare experience for every patient.
Oncology Nurse Navigators FAQ
Although both work together to ensure patients are well taken care of, patient navigation and patient case management are not the same function.
- Case management is focused on the transition of an individual from inpatient care to outpatient /home discharge.
- Navigation is focused on minimizing barriers to care, distress mitigation, and improvement of adherence/timeliness to care treatment plans. It also empowers patients through education, identifying needed resources and ensuring communication with their healthcare teams. Additionally, navigators can get involved with the patient at any point in their journey, without a physician referral and at no charge to the patient.
Oncology Nurse Navigators are Registered Nurses (RN), with bachelor’s degrees in nursing or certifications from accredited nursing programs. After becoming an RN, they then focus their career path on oncology care, in both inpatient and outpatient settings, to gain valuable experience working with patients and medical providers across multiple disciplines providing cancer care.
Baptist Health System does not charge patients for oncology nurse navigation services. A patient can be referred by a physician or can self-refer.