Appointments, treatments, medications, insurance issues, nutritional questions…a cancer diagnosis can be complicated. That is why GVH supported with Gunnison Tough provides a free oncology nurse navigator (ONN) to make the treatment journey as easy to travel as possible. Gunnison Tough feels this position is so important to the community that GT is funding part of the ONN salary. The ONN position will help anyone with any type of cancer even if they are not using the Gunnison Hospital. An ONN is a professional registered nurse with oncology-specific clinical knowledge. He or she offers individualized assistance to patients, families, and caregivers to help overcome confusion and navigate the complexities of treatment. Through education and resourcing, an ONN helps facilitate informed decision making and timely access to health and psychological care throughout all stages of the cancer continuum. Some of the services an ONN provides:
- Transportation Help
- Financial Counseling
- Emotional Support
- Dietary Consulting
- Facilitation cooperation between hospitals, care teams, etc.
- Prescription and Insurance Assistance
- Education
- Coordinating doctors, appointments, tests, and more.
With their ONN, GVH and Gunnison Tough help take the confusion out of cancer.
GVH ONN, Betsy Welsh, and Gunnison Tough Executive Director, Heidi Sherratt.
Read Feb. 22, 2018 Gunnison Country Times Article about Betsy