What is the Oncology Nurse Navigator Program?

A diagnosis of cancer can be overwhelming, and our nurse navigators are here to help. Our navigation program provides support and education to you and your loved ones throughout your cancer treatment journey. We help you arrange appointments, identify and address barriers to care that you may have and provide access to additional community resources.

According to the Oncology Nursing Society , "navigation in oncology has demonstrated benefits for people at risk for or diagnosed with cancer."

These benefits may include:

  • Shorter time to diagnosis and start of treatment
  • Increased patient and caregiver knowledge
  • Better adherence to recommended care 
  • Improved quality of life
  • Potential for cost reduction through reduced rates of ER visits and readmission


Compassionate, efficient care is our priority and we are dedicated to making your experience as easy as possible for you and your loved ones.

What Do the Oncology Nurse Navigators Do?

Our Oncology Nurse Navigators may assist with many aspects of the cancer treatment journey. Their responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Provide patient education regarding diagnosis, treatment plan and survivorship
  • Assist with the coordination of care from diagnosis to survivorship
  • Act as a single point of contact for the patient, caregivers and cancer care team
  • Identify and break down barriers to care
  • Identify community resources to assist in the patient care journey
  • Provide community education on prevention and screening
  • Facilitate support group offerings

Who Are the Oncology Nurse Navigators?

Our Oncology Nurse Navigators are experienced oncology registered nurses with a background in a variety of cancer care settings. Our navigators are here to empower patients and families with support and education needed to navigate the cancer treatment journey, from diagnosis to survivorship.

In addition to an Oncology Nurse Navigator, your cancer care team will include a specialized, multidisciplinary team of doctors, nurses and specialists who are dedicated to providing a personalized cancer care experience.

Meet Our Oncology Nurse Navigators

Meet the team behind our Oncology Nurse Navigator Program.

Photo of Sarah Perez, RN, BSN

Sarah Perez, RN, BSN

Oncology Nurse Navigator - Gastrointestinal Cancer

Sarah Perez, RN, BSN, began her career as a licensed vocational nurse (LVN) after earning her nursing certificate from Victoria College in 2012. While living in Hawaii, she had numerous unique opportunities to serve the local and tourist communities that included piloting an urgent access clinic and working at Tripler Army Medical Center of Oahu caring for active and retired military. Upon her return to Texas, Sarah was accepted into the LVN to RN bridge program to advance her nursing career in 2015. She then completed her Bachelors of Science in Nursing degree from The University of Houston in 2017.

Since becoming an RN, Sarah experienced roles in outpatient and inpatient surgery, inpatient care, travel nursing, and even had the privilege of running one of the largest vaccination clinics in the United States. She has cared for a wide variety of patients, but ultimately found her passion in caring for those with cancer and brings this passion every day to the Baptist Network for Cancer Care. Her experiences have equipped her with the tools to guide patients through an inpatient hospital stay, assisting with normal day-to-day activities post-diagnosis, accessing resources and education, understanding chemo administration, and providing the emotional support that is crucial in the patient’s journey through cancer. This commitment to going ‘above and beyond’ comes from Sarah’s own personal experiences with the value of patient empowerment, ensuring consistent patient safety, and the importance of compassion.

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