Hearing the words “you have cancer” can be extremely overwhelming and come as a shock. With the help of oncology nurse navigators at Elliot Health System or cancer care coordinators at Southern New Hampshire Health, SolutionHealth is helping guide patients through this life-changing time.
Throughout the entire cancer journey, from diagnosis to survivorship, the nurse navigator or cancer care coordinator stays with a patient. They offer a single point of contact to coordinate care, educate the patient on next steps, and refer patients to services and resources within the health system and the community.
“Having the opportunity to connect with patients and serve as a point person in the midst of a new cancer diagnosis can be equally challenging as it is rewarding,” Katie Hall, an Oncology Certified Nurse and Certified Oncology Nurse Navigator at The Elliot, explains.
Hall has been an oncology nurse for 15 years, seven of which she has been a nurse navigator. She started working at The Elliot in June. Hall and fellow nurse navigator, Samantha Diaz will be instrumental in helping to build the nurse navigator program in the new Solinsky Center for Cancer Care at The Elliot.
Hall wants patients to know, “I hope to offer a sigh of relief when explaining I will be their nurse navigator to help coordinate care and facilitate communication. I pride myself in advocating for my patients and treating them as if they were my own family member, offering empathy during a vulnerable time in their life. We understand this is a difficult and uncertain time. You are not alone. Lean on your care team for support and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Our goal is to be your guiding light in the darkness of cancer.”
Coming soon: Samantha Diaz opens up about what it’s like being a nurse navigator.
