The prevalence of herbal medication use among cancer patients is greater than 35% in the United States. A lot has been published discussing the interaction between herbal products and conventional medications in oncology care.
Patient navigation is still a fairly new profession and, as such, navigators should tap into their expertise and experience to educate others about their role.
When treatment ends, commonly cancer patients will be told by their treating oncologist, “Go find your new normal now” or “Start adjusting to your new normal.” Neither sounds very appealing.
I hope each member is off to a Happy New Year for 2016! The new year is often a time of reflection as well as a visualization of things to come. As navigators, the characteristics of proactivity, as well as flexibility, are vital to our job as well as an asset for patient interaction. As we look forward to the East Coast Regional Conference in May, a topic of interest and discussion will be palliative care.
Patient navigators often serve as advocates with and on behalf of patients. A cancer diagnosis is a new experience for patients—one that thrusts them into a world of unknown terminology, overwhelming treatments and procedures, and complex systems.
As the end of one calendar year closes and a new one opens, it is common for people to make New Year’s resolutions. The majority focus on losing weight, eating a healthier diet, and exercise.
As navigators, we are called to be financial stewards for our patients. A personal experience of an elderly family member who was being navigated through a cancer diagnosis this year was an example of this valuable role of navigation.
Oncology care is a team effort. Physicians, nurses, social workers, patient navigators, and a host of other team members work together to ensure the best possible patient care.
We are proud of Amy E. Rettig, MSN, MALM, RN, ACNS-BC, PMHNP-BC, CBCN, Emergency Services-Clinical Nurse Specialist, who has been named to the SelfMade Health Network Leadership Council.
