Nurse Navigator Program launches at WellStar Paulding Hospital

HIRAM, Ga. (November 29, 2016) – At WellStar Health System, exceptional healthcare for cancer begins with treatment modeled for each individual, case-by-case. The not-for- profit is expanding its nurse navigator program to WellStar Paulding Hospital, bringing a highly personalized level of guidance and support to cancer patients during each step of treatment.
Maureen Lavelle, a certified oncology nurse, helped launch the program and is the first cancer nurse navigator to serve patients with cancer at Paulding Hospital. She has worked with cancer patients throughout her 22-year career and was recently awarded the Crump Award for Excellence in Oncology Nursing, an honor for exceptional oncology nurses awarded to a single recipient each year.
In the first phase of Paulding’s nurse navigator program, Lavelle will work exclusively with breast cancer patients.
“It is an honor for me to be able to care for patients who are facing such a difficult time in their lives,” she said. “I truly love being an oncology nurse. I have learned so much about strength and perseverance from my patients.”
Nurse navigators support patients and their families from the initial diagnosis through post-treatment follow up. Navigators remain next to patients the entire treatment plan, and will often be present during the MRI, biopsy and surgical procedures. On top of this guidance, the navigator often acts as an invaluable source of emotional support. “Some days are just about listening and being there for my patient,” Lavelle said. “If I am able to help a patient go through their treatment with less anxiety and more knowledge, then I have provided a caring hand they can hold on to.”
The nurse navigator program comes at no additional cost to patients.
The new nurse navigator program will help round out Paulding Hospital’s existing cancer program, which includes community-based, world-renowned oncologists; breast surgeons; cutting-edge radiation treatments; an outpatient infusion center; nutritional counseling; genetic counseling and pastoral care.
For more information on how WellStar delivers compassionate care to every patient, visit wellstar.org or call WellStar’s Cancer Connect Line at 1-877- 366-6032.