Having grown up in a large family with lively dinner conversations about surgeries performed by my father on any given day, and witnessing the expert and compassionate care that he provided to his patients, nursing was a natural fit for me.
I spent most of my career at the bedside at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, caring for patients with a wide range of medical and surgical issues. This has proven to be invaluable in not only acquiring a broad base of knowledge but also an opportunity to care for the whole patient - body, mind and spirit, which is what keeps me doing what I am doing.
After nearly 27+ years, I transitioned into an outpatient setting providing primary care to students at Widener University. Teaching them how to navigate caring for themselves while away from home empowered the students and afforded a tremendous level of comfort to the parents of the students.
I missed being in a hospital setting and was offered the opportunity to care for patients and their families in the role of Patient Advocate and Navigator at a Mainline Health hospital. It felt like I had come home! I was able to be the liaison for the patients, their families and the health care team. This was comforting to all involved and so very satisfying professionally and personally. In this ever changing world of healthcare it is imperative for patients to have an advocate and navigator.
In my role as Gynecologic Nurse Navigator at Fox Chase, I am able to do this for women at the very start of their cancer journey and any point along the way of their treatment, by offering resources and support so that they truly understand they are not alone.
I am humbled and honored to be working in a renowned cancer institute with a team of compassionate and expert surgeons, medical oncologists, nurses and Nurse Practitioners offering comprehensive care second to none
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