Cancer Nurse Navigator
Providing Help Along the Way
Receiving a cancer diagnosis is an emotionally charged and confusing time. In addition to the support and information provided by your physicians and family, Frye Regional’s oncology nurse navigators are available for an added measure of encouragement, education, and assistance.
About Nurse Navigation
Cancer nurse navigators are specially trained nurses who provide a holistic approach to help with a cancer patient's physical and emotional needs. Frye Regional's team of cancer nurse navigators will listen to the patient's needs and expectations, provide answers to questions, and guide patients through the care process – helping to coordinate and streamline treatment.
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What Is a Cancer Nurse Navigator?
Cancer nurse navigators are patient advocates. Cancer patients have a very large care team. It’s very challenging to understand all that is involved. Nurse navigators offer one source of truth where patients can go to to ask questions and share their concerns. Nurse navigators are often called angels because they are there for patients throughout the ups and downs of treating cancer.
One-on-One Support
Navigators bring comfort by being present, educating, advocating and helping the patient to understand how they need to move forward after diagnosis.
Cancer nurse navigators offer one-on-one information and support including:
- A referral, if needed, to support programs and resources in the broader community
- Assistance in evaluating treatment options
- Coordination of appointments with various physicians and therapists
- Education about treatment, medications, side effects and recovery
- Emotional support and guidance
- Facilitation of communication between patients and care teams
- Help for patients and families to understand your cancer diagnosis
Frye Regional's cancer nurse navigator program is confidential, and the program is offered free of charge.
Help to Recover
Navigators continue to help patients as they recover from cancer to empower them to move forward by educating healthcare providers about their condition and how it may affect the type of care they receive. For example, a breast cancer patient can inform healthcare providers about where lymph nodes that have been removed so blood pressure is not taken in the arm on that side of the body - preventing lymphedema. Nurse navigators also educate patients regarding what screenings are needed as they age.
For more information or to connect with a cancer (all tumor types) nurse navigator, call 828.315.5092.
For more information or to connect with a cancer (lung) nurse navigator, call 828.315.3171.