Ellis' New Breast Care Nurse Navigator
an Ally for Women Battling Breast Cancer

Dealing with the myriad of emotions and the many decisions surrounding a breast cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming. That's why Ellis Medicine now has a Breast Care Nurse Navigator, a registered nurse who provides support and guidance to breast cancer patients throughout diagnosis, treatment and recovery.

Kim Stefanik, R.N., a 26-year nursing veteran, breast care advocate and a 16-year breast cancer survivor herself, has assumed the role of Breast Care Nurse Navigator at Ellis Medicine. She helps patients and their families navigate the health care system by facilitating care plans and providing assistance with medical, emotional and all other ancillary breast care services. More importantly, Kim is available on a one-on-one basis to help explain the options or just to listen.

"When women learn they may be facing a diagnosis of breast cancer, everything stops," Kim explains. "They are scared, and it's hard for them to process all the information they're receiving. My role is to calmly support them, answer their questions and empower them to make decisions about their treatment by ensuring they have the information they need."

Ellis' Breast Care Nurse Navigator steps in to meet a patient at the time of an abnormal finding and begins by making sure patients are scheduled for the most appropriate diagnostic testing within a few days, not weeks. Once a diagnosis is confirmed and the cancer is staged, a multidisciplinary team convenes to develop a coordinated care plan. The Navigator is there, providing guidance and support, every step of the way: serving as the main point of contact for women facing breast cancer and their families; scheduling appointments; making sure necessary paperwork is completed; and working closely with the Ellis-affiliated radiologists, pathologists, surgeons, oncologists and other specialists to coordinate care. For patients, coordinated care translates into better outcomes - a better shot at beating cancer.

"This is such an important and needed service in our community," Kim says. "I know how frightening and overwhelming a cancer diagnosis can be. I also know about the outstanding services available locally for cancer patients at Ellis Medicine."

In addition to her role as Breast Care Nurse Navigator, Kim is also the facilitator of the Healing Thru Sharing support group, which helps women understand and cope with many fears that come with a breast cancer diagnosis, including those relating to surgery, treatment and alteration of body image. The support group provides women who have or have had breast cancer or other types of cancer, with an intimate setting in which to share their experiences, learn coping techniques, and find emotional support through the strength and warmth of others.

The Breast Care Nurse Navigator is part of Ellis Medicine's comprehensive women's health program, which provides a full range of woman's care services through a lifetime of changing health and wellness needs. For more information about Ellis Medicines' Breast Care Services, which includes the Neil and Jane Golub Breast Center at Bellevue, or the support group, please call 518.612.8401. Let our experienced Breast Care Nurse Navigator guide and support you.