Consistent and personal guidance through difficult times .
Consistent and personal guidance through difficult times .
Hearing that you have cancer is never easy . “ When people first learn of their diagnosis , they ’ re often overwhelmed and unsure of what ’ s next ,” says Karen Kern , MSN , RN , OCN , Manager of Navigation Services .
Having someone who will meet you where you are , provide support , and guide you and your caregivers through diagnosis , treatment , and beyond is invaluable . That ’ s why at the AHN Cancer Institute , we ’ ve assembled a team whose role is to make treatment as convenient , accessible , and stress-free as possible for patients and their families and advocate on their behalf .
On paper , they ’ re nurses and support staff . But , in real life , they are also the following :
A dedicated partner . Once a patient receives a cancer diagnosis , their nurse navigator is one of the first people they meet with . Their navigator assesses immediate needs and begins to lay the groundwork for success — starting with managing appointments .
“ We have an eye on everyone ’ s schedules ,” says Karen . “ If we see a patient has to be here Monday for chemo , then back on Wednesday for blood tests , we rearrange things so patients don ’ t have to come here multiple times a week .”
A second set of ears . Nurse navigators at AHN Cancer Institute specialize in different diseases , so patients can be confident their navigator understands what they ’ re going through . “ Every journey is different ,” says Karen . “ But our navigators can provide a general overview of what will happen and in what steps , and answer any questions a patient might have about their cancer type and stage .”
Your go-to point person . “ Not knowing who to call is often a big challenge for patients ,” says Karen . “ Having a designated contact helps decrease anxiety . Whether a patient has a chemo reaction , post-surgery issue , or trouble managing symptoms , we ’ re who they call . Or , if they need financial assistance , nutrition counseling , in-home care , or help getting to an appointment , they know their navigator will connect them to it .”
An extra hand to hold . Because AHN nurse navigators forge strong bonds with their patients and often accompany them to appointments , they can pick up on nuanced needs . “ They may be struggling with something but can ’ t pinpoint it ,” says Karen . “ We try to figure out what that is to ease their anxiety .”
A friend long after the bell is rung . “ Patients may have questions even after our official work together is done . Or they ’ ll want to share family updates ,” said Karen . “ Our survivorship navigators continue to stay in touch for as long as they need ,” says Karen . “ Whatever , whenever , we ’ re here for them .”
“ We give patients peace of mind so they don ’ t need to worry about every step of the process .”
— Karen Kern , MSN , RN , OCN , Manager of Navigation Services