Cancer Patient Navigator
A cancer diagnosis comes with many unanswered questions and concerns. Each cancer journey is personal and unique and Roper St. Francis is here to guide you during every stage of your diagnosis and treatment. Our program provides a patient navigator for every patient to serve as their central point during their treatment. Patient navigators are in place immediately after diagnosis to provide patients with emotional support, education and guidance. We encourage patients to contact us soon after they learn they have cancer so we can connect them with a navigator.
How your Cancer Patient Navigator can help
Our nurse navigators work directly with the patient and family to develop a program of support that is designed to meet their specific needs. The navigators are able to:
- Provide information and support at the time of a new diagnosis, recurrence or end of life.
- Serve as a knowledgeable clinical resource on many issues, including symptom management and family support needs.
- Be a familiar, consistent source of support between treatment settings (surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, doctor’s office, hospital, clinic)
Is there a cost for the program?
The Cancer Patient Navigation Programs is completely free of charge.
Get started with a navigator
You may self-refer into the Cancer Patient Navigation Program. To contact a nurse navigator to get started or for more information about the program call (843) 724-2747.
Shelley Usher, MSN, RN
Breast and Neuro Clinical Nurse Navigator
Shelley has extensive oncology experience with an emphasis on women’s cancers. She has worked with cancer patients in both the inpatient and office setting. She serves as centralized point of contact for her patients. She is available to more thoroughly explain a diagnosis or treatment. Shelley believes in the power of education when it comes to managing a cancer diagnosis.
Elizabeth Strojny RN, MSN, OCN
Lung and Esophageal Nurse Navigator
Elizabeth earned an advanced nursing degree and is certified in oncology and chemotherapy/biotherapy administration. She has extensive experience in the oncology patient care setting including inpatient, outpatient and research. For our lung and esophageal cancer patients Elizabeth is a consistent point of contact that is available throughout every stage of the cancer journey.
Melissa McDonough, MSN, MAOM, RN
GI/GU Clinical Nurse Navigator
Melissa holds advanced degrees in both nursing and organizational management. She has worked in ambulatory care, the operating and recovery rooms (OR and PACU) as well as in acute care and case management. She has served as an RN both in the military and government. Melissa has personal experience with cancer and a special interest in cancer research with an emphasis on recurrence prevention.
Leah Ellis, MSN, RN
Breast Clinical Nurse Navigator
Leah holds an advanced degree in nursing with a specialization in nurse education. She has extensive critical care and wound management experience. She has also been an instructor to nursing students. Leah is passionate about providing breast cancer patients with the education, comfort and emotional support they need.