Guiding hands, healing hearts: The impact of nurse navigators

Ascension Wisconsin Nurse Navigator Team

There are many unknowns when facing a cancer diagnosis: Has it spread elsewhere? What will treatment look like? Will I lose my hair? Will I survive? 

While the questions are endless, Ascension Wisconsin provides patients with a priceless resource to help them navigate this new journey: a nurse navigator.

Since 2009, nurse navigators have been helping patients at all Ascension Wisconsin cancer centers* as they begin their path toward healing. So far, thousands of patients with cancer have been helped by a nurse navigator.

“Our nurse navigators’ ability to connect, comfort and coordinate care ensures that no patient feels alone during one of the most difficult times of their life,” shared Beth Schmitt, Cancer Care Service Line Director for Ascension Wisconsin. “Nurse navigators offer clinical guidance, but also compassion and hope when it’s needed most.”

Nurse navigators support patients with disease-specific guidance. From answering clinical questions to providing a listening ear to supporting patients with comfort and hope, nurse navigators play a critical role for thousands of patients as they navigate cancer.

First-hand impact

Peggy, my nurse navigator, is my Guardian Angel. In July 2024, I was diagnosed with stage 1 breast cancer; my second time being diagnosed with breast cancer. Most people would be terrified with this diagnosis, but I knew I would be okay because I had Peggy. You see, 11 years ago in October 2013, I was diagnosed with breast cancer for the first time. Peggy took me under her wing back then, so I knew I would be ok this time too.

The day after my diagnosis, the second time, I met with my oncologist and Peggy. Within less than a day, Peggy had begun scheduling appointments with the surgeon and plastic surgeon. The next week, she scheduled my surgery and met with my husband and me to tell us what to expect. She also talked about my recovery and what additional treatments I might need after surgery. Throughout this time, Peggy was kind, caring, compassionate, understanding and patient. She took the time for my husband and me to ask questions and explained things as many times as it took for us to feel comfortable. 

I remember one Friday, in August 2024, when I called in a complete panic, crying and almost inaudible. Peggy stopped what she was doing and took the time to talk with me. She did her best to say all the right things to calm me down so she could understand why I was so upset. Not only did Peggy and I talk the first time I called, but it took multiple phone calls that Friday afternoon to solve my problem. I don't know if I kept Peggy at work longer than she was supposed to be that day, but she never made me feel like I was an inconvenience. 

Not only is Peggy a nurse navigator, but she is a cheerleader and supports her patients every step of the way. She stopped in to see me after surgery, saw me before my port placement and visited me in the infusion center while getting chemo. She is always available to answer an email or provide support over the phone. She doesn't care what questions you ask or how many times you ask them. What is important to her is that you understand what you are going through and are ready for the next step. 

Anyone who has had the chance to work with Peggy knows how special she is. She is a wonderful person and always puts the needs of her patients first. I am honored that Peggy has been there for me not only once, but twice. Peggy is a rare gem and needs to be celebrated for the care she gives and the wonderful person she is. To me, and I am sure to many of her other patients, she is priceless.

— Patient at Ascension Columbia St. Mary’s Ozaukee

*Ascension All Saints, the Michael D. Wachtel Cancer Center at Ascension Mercy, Ascension St. Elizabeth, the Sherman Cancer Center at Ascension Elmbrook, Ascension Mayfair Road, Reiman Cancer Center and the Polly and Bill Van Dyke Cancer Centers at Ascension Columbia St. Mary’s Milwaukee and Ozaukee.