(Pueblo, CO October 20, 2008) –Imagine being diagnosed with breast cancer. Imagine the fear, uncertainty and isolation you would feel. Then imagine how you would feel if language were a barrier for you or if you had no idea where to begin to get medical help that you needed. What if you knew there were no way you were going to be able to pay for your treatments? What if you had no where to turn for support? Thanks to a grant from the Colorado Springs Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure^®, Parkview Medical Center is now able to provide a compassionate, knowledgeable nurse navigator to lead breast cancer patients down the treatment path.
Parkview’s Nurse Navigator provides appropriate education, emotional support, assistance with access to community and financial resources and help in navigating the healthcare system. The nurse navigator meets with all newly diagnosed breast cancer patients who are admitted to Parkview Medical Center. Together they will review the patient’s chart as well as any information provided by the physician. The nurse navigator will discuss upcoming appointments, treatments that are scheduled, and prescribed medications. The patient will also receive a Survival Kit containing cancer education books and pamphlets as well as support and comfort items. All information is provided by the nurse navigator in a linguistically, culturally and educationally appropriate way that the patient can easily understand. Finally, the patient will be given contact information so that she will have continuous access to Parkview’s Nurse Navigator.
Breast cancer patients and their families now have a lifeline at Parkview Medical Center in the search for answers and explanations following a diagnosis. The nurse navigator provides consistent care to the patient from diagnosis and treatment to recovery. She is extremely knowledgeable about pathology and treatment options. Patients with breast cancer spend less time in the hospital today than in the past. They receive much of their treatment as an outpatient. At the same time, there are more resources available then ever before including counseling, nutrition education, cancer resource centers and support groups. These changes in cancer care have created a demand for nurses who can watch over patients, bridge the gap to resources, and help them find the support they need. Parkview’s Nurse Navigator is here to ease the burdens on patients and families while improving patient outcomes.
For additional information please contact Parkview’s Nurse Navigator, Melinda McAndrews at (719) 595-7230.