| Nurses have long played a role in helping patients navigate the complexities of the healthcare system. Patient and families may be overwhelmed when they hear the word cancer, often immobilized by fear and uncertainty.
Latonia Hopper, RN, BSN, MSW, is the full time breast health navigator at Cleveland Regional Medical Center. She works with patients from diagnosis through support following their care, helping them and their families understand their options and what to expect during and after treatment.
Through one-on-one contact, the patient navigator has been trained to work with patients to help them solve problems and overcome barriers that might keep them from getting the care they need.
“We’re extremely pleased to offer this program,” said Cindy Yeargin, BSN, RN, Director of Oncology Services at CRMC. “Latonia has more than 15 years experience in social work and five years of nursing experience. She adds another component to our mission of providing excellent care for our cancer patients.”
Hopper, a Cleveland Regional Medical Center employee since 2005, she works extensively with available community resource agencies to assist our patients with all of their needs. Latonia is married to Jermaine Hopper, and the mother of 4 children. Hopper earned her associate’s of nursing degree from Gardner-Webb University, her bachelor’s of nursing degree from Winston-Salem State University and her master’s degree in social work from the University of Illinois.
One of the most important roles of a breast health navigator is to assure that any woman with a suspicious finding will receive timely diagnosis and treatment. “By reaching out to breast cancer patients early I am able to assess their needs and help them through their journey, from the point of diagnosis through treatment,”
Hopper said.
Some barriers patients face may be:
• Financial
• Communication/Information
• Medical System
• Fear and Emotional
• Hoppers’s job is to help the patient overcome these barriers.
• Some of her duties may include:
• Helping to schedule and keep medical appointments
• Arranging for follow-up care
• Coordinating and streamlining insurance paperwork
• Identifying local resources and appropriate support
For more information, please call (980) 487-3772.
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