Personal Narrative: A Career As A Patient Navigator

After my grandma was diagnosed with cancer many years ago, I became fascinated with what cancer was and what it looked like to treat such a disease. That passion that I experienced so long ago, later grew into something that I am seriously considering as a potential lifetime career. Ever since I have been questioning my ability to be able to handle such an honorable career in the medical field. That is when I found Lindsey Nelson, a patient navigator for the American Cancer Society. When I found her I was overjoyed. I would finally be able to answer all of those questions that I have had for so many years. When I arrived at the St. Alphonsus Cancer Care center on a Friday afternoon, Ms. Nelson had a very warm and endearing personality that was apparent from the beginning. First she asked questions about my experience with cancer and if it had every affected myself or a family member. That question alone made Ms. Nelson seem very empathetic to anyone that has been personally affected by cancer. Later that day, I had found out that Ms. Nelson is a cancer survivor herself. After learning that information it became clear on why she had a passion for helping cancer patients and their families get the help and care that they need. A patient navigator is an important piece in a patient’s treatment no matter what they have been afflicted with. A patient navigator works one on one with a patients to get them set up with support groups, informational classes, guides patients through treatment processes, as well as finds them resources and the supplies they need, such as wigs or makeup classes. Along with working one on one with patients, a patient navigator also works with the health care providers involved with the patients, organizations that are apart of support groups, and the association that they are working through. It is important for a navigator to stay connected in order for them to stay current on treatments and procedures and areas that a patient can find