A cancer diagnosis leaves patients overwhelmed, afraid, and often confused about the various treatment options available to them. Centra oncology nurse navigators are there to guide patients and their loved ones during this difficult time, acting as a liaison with healthcare providers and coordinating care from diagnosis to treatment and recovery. Centra’s five nurse navigators for breast, GYN, lung, head and neck, brain, genitourinary, gastrointestinal, and prostate cancers provide education, support, and assistance to patients and their families throughout the spectrum of cancer care.

Our oncology nurse navigators are bachelor’s degree educated, registered nurses, and certified in oncology.

Centra Oncology Nurse Navigators

• Help patients and families understand the specific diagnosis and treatment options
• Provide educational materials to each patient at the time of diagnosis
• Provide support for the physical, spiritual, and emotional needs during and after the patient’s illness
• Provide resource materials for assistance from local and national organizations
• Ensure patients are presented at Centra’s multidisciplinary tumor board so that patients have a team-based approach to their care
• Provide pre/postoperative teaching and support
• Answer any questions or concerns throughout the journey
• Schedule appointments as needed
• Accompany patients to their appointments and consults as needed
• Make rounds on patients
• Provide outreach programs and health fair displays in the community
• Facilitate local support groups
• Are members of the Oncology Nursing Society

Centra’s oncology nurse navigation program is dedicated not only to medical care, but also to making the treatment journey less complicated. In addition to the oncology nurse navigator, the program’s support team includes nurse practitioners, dietitians, social workers, therapists, and hospice caregivers as needed.

Oncology nurse navigators also facilitate support groups for breast and prostate cancer patients, and the oncology social worker facilitates a general support group for patients with cancer at any stage.