The Role of Nurse Navigator
A breast cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming for patients as well as their family. Understanding your treatment options and determining which resources are the most credible can often be challenging.
In recent years, hospitals and physicians have recognized the need for cancer patients, specifically breast cancer patients, to have a resource to call upon when diagnosed. The breast nurse navigator was designed to serve as a patient advocate and guide them through their care.
Micah Brown, RN and Breast Nurse Navigator
“The goal of the breast nurse navigator is to be a liaison and enhance the quality and continuity of care for breast cancer patients,” says Micah Brown, RN and Breast Nurse Navigator for North Fulton Hospital. “From the time a patient is diagnosed, the nurse navigator works in coordination with the patient, family members and their healthcare team to answer questions, streamline appointments and provide general support to the patient.”
Many breast programs have nurse navigators, however not all programs are created equal. In addition to a breast nurse navigators, patients should question if the hospital’s cancer program is accredited, if they have a complete breast health team of physicians and nurses, do they have all digital mammography, and how quickly can the hospital facilitate the treatment the patient needs.
North Fulton Hospital’s cancer program is accredited by the American College of Surgeons, Commission on Cancer and provides a nurse navigator as part of its comprehensive breast health team.
Call Micah at 770-751-2556 with questions you may have about breast health.
Nutrition Counseling
Good nutrition plays a critical role in the treatment and recovery processes by helping cancer patients maintain their strength and weight, boosting the immune system, and allowing the body to better handle chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy, which can make it difficult to absorb nutrients from food. Our registered dietitian is on hand to counsel each patient and provide a plan that includes a nutrition assessment and dietary and lifestyle recommendations, customized for the individual.
