Here When You Need Us the Most
Baptist Health’s nurse navigators help guide patients and families through their cancer plans and treatments.
Our Nurse NavigatorsOncology nurse navigators offer support, guidance and care from a cancer diagnosis through recovery. Learn more about our oncology nurse navigators today.
Karen Jacobs, RN, Oncology Navigator:
The oncology nurse navigator helps guide patients through what can be a very complex healthcare system. After the initial shock of a cancer diagnosis, there’s still a lot of information to process. I’m there to be an advocate, resource, and an additional layer of support for the patient and their family. After identifying any needs or barriers to treatment, I provide education and then connect patients with the appropriate resources, which could be transportation issues. There may be issues with obtaining medications they need as well. I work closely with physicians in case there are any needs that the patients have, so they have the best outcomes.
Being a caregiver, and even a family member, can be a very hard and scary time when you have a family member who’s been diagnosed. I’m also there to support the family members and caregivers as well, because it can be a very stressful time for them. Any type of resources they may need, we have some educational information we provide. Currently, we are offering monthly virtual support groups as well.
I love being there to help patients and their families and encourage them along the way. It’s usually more that I learn from the patient, because they’re so courageous and they’re so strong throughout their journey. If I can offer some type of comfort and calm along the way, that’s what I like to do.
Baptist Health’s nurse navigators help guide patients and families through their cancer plans and treatments.
Our Nurse Navigators