What now? It's the most natural question to ask when you receive a cancer diagnosis. And it’s a question that’s hard to answer when dealing with the emotions and thoughts that inevitably overwhelm you after you’re given your test results. We understand this is a difficult time for you and your family. That’s why we offer the Nurse Navigator program to all of our oncology patients in the Alegent Creighton Health system.
What is a Nurse Navigator?
A Nurse Navigator is an oncology-certified nurse who is available to guide you and your family through the entire process of diagnosis and treatment at Alegent Creighton Health. The Nurse Navigator is a single point of contact who will be there with you every step of the way.The Nurse Navigator assists with scheduling initial tests and consultations. They also collaborate with members of the medical team to ensure information is current and understood by all of the physicians, nurses and other team members. They help the patient and family members understand his or her diagnosis and plan of care.
What is the cost of a Nurse Navigator?
There is no additional charge for a Nurse Navigator.
What can I expect from a Nurse Navigator?
The role of the Nurse Navigator is to ease the burden of cancer treatment on both you and your family. Nurse Navigators will:
Help you understand your diagnosis and the available treatment options.
Discuss any warning signs or symptoms that may arise over the course of treatment and recovery.
Collaborate with all members of the medical team to ensure information is current and available from all of your physicians, nurses and counselors.
Help you and your family connect with community resources.
Coordinate your care with any other healthcare provider throughout the system. This includes:
Cancer Support Team, which provides: education on disease and treatment; comfort and symptom management; patient and family counseling (including: emotional, social, spiritual, nutritional and financial counseling); referral to community services (home care, palliative care and hospice care); cancer rehabilitation; integrative therapies; and support groups.
Cancer Genetics documents your personal and family medical history and discusses inheritance patterns and risks.
Cancer Clinical Trials, research studies in which people volunteer to take part in tests of new drugs or procedures.
Professional Services, such as the Image Recovery Center.
