St. Jude Crosson Comprehensive Cancer Center

The St. Jude Crosson Comprehensive Cancer Center, located in Fullerton, California, is part of the St. Joseph Health System. The cancer center was established in 1998 and includes the Ann G. Fetters Diagnostic Imaging Center, the Fred A. Jordan Family Radiation Oncology Center, and the Kathryn T. McCarty Breast Center.

Using the combined expertise of medical oncologists, radiation therapists, surgeons, and other cancer specialists, the cancer center provides advanced diagnostic procedures and therapies, ongoing clinical trials, and treatments based on the latest breakthroughs in biotherapy, chemotherapy, and immunology. In addition, the center offers a nurse navigator program, a resource library, classes, support groups, spiritual care, retreats, and distress screening and management to help patients and their families cope with the challenges of diagnosis and treatment—going beyond the physical aspects of cancer and focusing on emotional health as well.

The Oncology Nurse-APN/PA spoke with TraciLyn Clark, RN, BSN, OCN, about her role as a GI/GYN oncology nurse navigator at the St. Jude Crosson Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Please describe your responsibilities as GI/GYN Nurse Navigator.

TraciLyn Clark (TC): Once I meet the patient via staff referral or self-referral, I become a support for that patient here at the cancer center. I coordinate with surgeons, oncologists, and the hospital staff to develop a treatment plan in discussions with the patient, not at the patient. All treatment options and plans are discussed thoroughly with patients to ensure that we meet their specific and unique needs. Patients can call me any time with questions or with concerns. For example, if a patient had a radiology exam ordered but it was not scheduled, that patient could call me and I would follow up to make sure an appointment for that test was scheduled.

We provide patient education, help patients gather information to make treatment decisions, help them improve communication with their medical team, increase understanding, help them understand the tests and procedures they will undergo, and, overall, provide support, encouragement, and friendship for patients.

Whenever a patient says he or she feels confident in the plan of care and understands the diagnosis, I know I’ve done my job well. I frequently connect patients to our relaxation class, spiritual care, and our social worker. Hearing that the anxiety level has gone down and that he or she is enjoying life and time with family during care is also an indicator of a job well done. As a navigator, I also facilitate the transition to survivorship, often including a referral to our STAR (Survivorship Training and Rehabilitation) certified oncology program.

What is the approach to care at your center?

TC: St. Jude’s belief is that excellent care extends beyond good medicine. We focus equally on medical excellence and on compassionate care for the patient’s mind, body, and spirit.

St. Joseph’s was originally founded by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange with the mission to extend the ministry of Jesus. Together, with the Sisters, we fulfill that mission to extend the healing ministry of Jesus, and the values of dignity, excellence, service, and justice are our guiding principles. We are a Catholic hospital, and all religions and beliefs are welcome.

How does this approach to care translate to better outcomes?

TC: Understanding improves compliance. Developing a treatment plan
with the patient improves compliance. Also, the dual emphasis on good outcomes and survival rates as well as caring for the patient holistically (mind/body/spirit) improves outcomes. These intangibles are critical to improved quality of life. We offer patients spiritual care, healing touch, support groups, and retreats to support them psychologically and spiritually.

What is the biggest challenge of your job?

TC: In general, compassion fatigue is the major challenge for me and probably for all oncology nurses. I get to know my patients very well and treat them as family members. In
the course of a day, often I am there when patients get very bad news. It is a challenge to remain positive and not become emotionally drained by the bad news.

Fortunately, part of our training here involves stress reduction and relaxation, with an emphasis on maintaining personal boundaries and having a personal life. We have workshops on destressing and leaving work behind. This allows us to get recharged and bring our best selves to our work.

What is your biggest reward?

TC: The appreciation and gratitude I get from patients and their families make my job worthwhile. The other day I got a card from a recently deceased patient’s husband that read: “The care you provided made her battle with cancer much easier and she appreciated it so much. I appreciate your kindness and help during a difficult time.”

What led you to your current career?

TC: I was in nursing school but was finding it difficult and not what I expected. Then my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer, and she was very unhappy with the care she
was receiving. She said, “Traci, you have to finish nursing school, because good nurses can make all the difference.” So I did, and fortunately I got a good externship in oncology and then a placement in oncology at Sharp Memorial Hospital in San Diego. I knew then that I wanted to stay and become an oncology-certified nurse. I received an excellent mentorship and enjoyed taking care of patients. However, I had to learn the hard way to take care of myself as well and to find the “sweet spot” between patient care and personal needs. I now take care of myself, and that includes massages, hikes, and entertainment.

What advice would you give to a new oncology nurse?

TC: Learn to take care of yourself first. Be careful about choosing mental and emotional health over making money. A happy nurse provides better care than someone who is burned out.

What would you be doing if you weren’t an oncology nurse navigator?

TC: I also work as a bridal consultant. This is fun for me, and it is a way to save money for a trip to Europe with my husband. I could have taken a second nursing job on weekends, but I wanted to experience a different part of the circle of life.