Despite limitations, St. John’s Regional Cancer Center continues to support cancer patients
Oxnard, CA– (October 8, 2020) – At St. John’s Regional Cancer Center (SJRCC), our bilingual and certified oncology nurse navigator, Alicia Zaragoza, NP-C, is at the front line, playing an integral role in the care of patients undergoing cancer treatment during COVID-19. The pandemic has affected and altered how the center responds to patients by transitioning to a virtual platform for communication and support.
“When COVID-19 began, an initial challenge for us was how to connect with our patients. No one should face cancer alone, so we wanted to be there for them,” said Alicia Zaragoza, NP, Oncology Nurse Navigator of St. John’s Regional Cancer Center. “To most effectively connect with our patients, we implemented a virtual platform for support groups and customized consultations. We want care to remain seamless, as this is integral to the overall healing and care of the patient.”
While this pandemic has brought a sense of uncertainty, one thing remains constant for SJRCC—our nurse navigator’s dedication and the team serving our cancer patients’ needs. St. John’s Hospitals is among the few in the county that offer the Nurse Navigator program. When a patient receives a breast cancer diagnosis, it is vital to coordinate all care aspects quickly. Our highly-skilled navigator guides patients and their families through a cancer journey, serving as an essential source of information and support. Our qualified Nurse navigator is available at no cost to our patients and can:
- Help patients understand a cancer diagnosis and treatment options
- Coordinate communication between patients and their health care team
- Inform patients and their families about financial counseling, clinical trials,
genetic counseling and other services - Help patients and their families connect with our many programs as well as community services
For more information about St. John’s Regional Cancer Center and the Nurse Navigator program, please call 805.988.2641.
About Dignity Health St. John’s Regional Medical Center
St. John’s Regional Medical Center is a 265-bed acute care, award-winning facility. Serving Ventura County for more than one hundred years, St. John’s is the first and only Certified Thrombectomy-Capable Stroke Center in Ventura County and a recipient of the American Heart Association’s, Get with the Guidelines-Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award. Designated as a STEMI Receiving Center, St. John’s is highly recognized in the community for excellence in cardiac care and has been named a Blue Distinction Center for Cardiac Care by Blue Shield of California. Our Cancer Center is accredited by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer, and our Integrated Breast Center is accredited by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers. SJRMC houses a comprehensive Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, providing specialized care to the tiniest patients as well as a Beacon Award-Winning Intensive Care Unit. Each hospital is supported by an active philanthropic Foundation to help meet the growing health care needs of our communities.
Learn more at dignityhealth.org/stjohnsregional.
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