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St. John’s Regional Cancer Center Nurse Navigator Transitions to Virtual Patient Care during Pandemic

Despite limitations, St. John's Regional Cancer Center continues to support cancer patients

OXNARD, CA – October 8, 2020 – At St. John’s Regional Cancer Center (SJRCC), our bilingual and certified oncology nurse navigator, Alicia Zaragoza, NP-C, is at the front line, playing an integral role in the care of patients undergoing cancer treatment during COVID-19. The pandemic has affected and altered how the center responds to patients by transitioning to a virtual platform for communication and support.

“When COVID-19 began, an initial challenge for us was how to connect with our patients. No one should face cancer alone, so we wanted to be there for them,” said Alicia Zaragoza, NP, Oncology Nurse Navigator of St. John’s Regional Cancer Center. “To most effectively connect with our patients, we implemented a virtual platform for support groups and customized consultations. We want care to remain seamless, as this is integral to the overall healing and care of the patient.”

While this pandemic has brought a sense of uncertainty, one thing remains constant for SJRCC—our nurse navigator’s dedication and the team serving our cancer patients’ needs. St. John’s Hospitals is among the few in the county that offer the Nurse Navigator program. When a patient receives a breast cancer diagnosis, it is vital to coordinate all care aspects quickly. Our highly-skilled navigator guides patients and their families through a cancer journey, serving as an essential source of information and support. Our qualified Nurse navigator is available at no cost to our patients and can: 

  • Help patients understand a cancer diagnosis and treatment options 
  • Coordinate communication between patients and their health care team 
  • Inform patients and their families about financial counseling, clinical trials, genetic counseling and other services 
  • Help patients and their families connect with our many programs as well as community services 

For more information about St. John’s Regional Cancer Center and the Nurse Navigator program, please call (805) 988-2641

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About Dignity Health St. John’s Pleasant Valley Hospital and St. John’s Regional Medical Center 
St. John’s Pleasant Valley Hospital in Camarillo and St. John’s Regional Medical Center in Oxnard are members of Dignity Health Central Coast, an integrated network of top quality hospitals, with physicians from the most prestigious medical schools, and comprehensive outpatient services - all recognized for quality, safety and service. Both hospitals are supported by an active philanthropic Foundation to help meet the growing health care needs of our communities. Hospitals in the Dignity Health Central Coast region also include Arroyo Grande Community Hospital in Arroyo Grande, French Hospital Medical Center in San Luis Obispo, Marian Regional Medical Center in Santa Maria. Learn more at DignityHealth.org/PleasantValley and DignityHealth.org/StJohnsRegional.

 

Publish date: 

Thursday, October 08, 2020