Community Breast Cancer Navigator

Meet Susan Nixon, Franciscan Breast Cancer Nurse Navigator

The Breast Cancer Nurse Navigator program gives you a central point of contact to recieve information, education, support and guidance regarding diagnostic and treatment options. A registered nurse, the nurse navigator assesses your needs and that of your family and then helps you navigate through the treatment process, working collaboratively with the your health care team, which may include a surgeon, oncologist, radiologist, radiation oncologist and primary care provider.

The nurse navigator’s role

• A central point of contact between you and your care team
• Improves your preparedness for treatment by providing education and psychological support for both you and your family
• An advocate for you, the patient, by presenting concerns and needs to your health care team
• Collaborates with members of the health care team to facilitate a coordinated approach to your plan of care
• Initiates referrals for additional support, such as social services, nutrition counseling and many other community resources.

The process

The nurse navigator contacts you as soon as a breast cancer diagnosis is made. Your individual needs are taken into account in developing a treatment plan, including surgeries, chemotherapy and radiation. The navigator also helps you interpret medical terminology, listens to concerns, answers questions, offers counsel, and works with you to schedule appointments with various specialists.

Do you know your risk for breast cancer? Take our free BreastCancerAware assessment and learn more.

For more information, contact:

Susan Nixon, RN, MN, OCN, CBCN
Phone: 253-426-4815
Fax: 253-426-6449
Pager: 253-426-0489
E-mail: susannixon@fhshealth.org

Outpatient Oncology/Infusion Center
St. Joseph Outpatient Center
1617 S. J St., Tacoma