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Oncology Nurse Navigation
A diagnosis of cancer can feel overwhelming. That’s why Thompson Cancer Survivor Center offers our patients a personal Oncology Nurse Navigator to walk with them every step of the way.
“I think one of the unique and absolutely strong parts of the Thompson program is this glue that holds everything together from the team approach, and to me, that is nurse navigation.” Dr. Grant Clark, Radiation Oncologist.
What is an Oncology Nurse Navigator?
At Thompson, an oncology nurse navigator is a vital member of your cancer care team. These nurses are specially trained and experienced in cancer care. From initial diagnosis and throughout treatment, your oncology nurse navigator will guide you with education, help with medical team communication, and ensure you understand your tests and procedures. Your navigator will also be available to help you manage the side effects of treatment and offer support and encouragement along the way.
“As nurse navigators, our role is to try to answer any questions patients have and when the provider is there we can make sure that all the patients’ questions are answered. I want to be the person that can remove barriers so that the patient can focus only on healing.” TCSC Oncology Nurse Navigator – Lawana Evans, RN, BSN, ONN-CG
What can an Oncology Nurse Navigator do:
- Help you understand your diagnosis and treatment options
- Provide education so that you can make informed choices
- Coordinate care with your medical team to relieve the emotional burden that often comes with a cancer diagnosis
- Enhance your communication with your physicians and other care providers
- Ensure your questions and concerns are successfully answered
- Advocate for you and stand by you through your cancer journey
“I am consistently impressed with this team of incredible individuals. Their determination to serve our patients well, whether by investing in their own continuing education or by going above and beyond to help the patient find needed resources, attests to their passion for their calling. They truly bless the lives of those they touch.” Debbie Bowles, System Director of Cancer Support Services
Thompson Cancer Survival Center Oncology Nurse Navigators:
Position / Name |
Primary Location: |
Any Specific Areas of Focus: |
| System Director of Cancer Support Services | TCSC – | |
| Debbie Bowles | ||
| Supervisor and Oncology Nurse Navigator | TCSC – | |
| Shila Newman, RN, OCN, ONN-CG | Knoxville Downtown | Head & Neck, malignant hematology |
| Oncology Nurse Navigators | ||
| Kathy Backus, LPN | Knoxville Downtown | Rectal Cancer Program Coordinator |
| Lucy Davis, RN, BSN, OCN, ONN-CG | Knoxville Downtown | GI (colorectal, pancreatic) |
| Lawana Evans, RN, BSN, ONN-CG | Oak Ridge | Breast, Lung |
| Lora Fout, RN, OCN, ONN-CG | Knoxville West | Breast |
| Natalie Garcia, RN | Oak Ridge | Head & Neck, GI |
| Karen Gentile, RN, BSN, OCN | Knoxville Downtown | Chest/Lung |
| Jodi Haney, RN, OCN, ONN-CG | Knoxville West | All sites |
| Teresa King, RN, OCN | Sevier, Blount | All sites |
| Susan Rutherford, RN, BSN, CN-BN, OCN | Knoxville Downtown | Breast |
| Beverly Sutton, RN, OCN | Lenoir City, Knoxville West | All sites |
| Melisa Williams, RN, OCN, ONN-CG | Knoxville Downtown | Oral Chemotherapy – all sites and hematological disorders |
| Department Assistant | ||
| Angelia Reese | Knoxville Downtown | |
| Cancer Conference / Patient Housing Coordinator | ||
| Wanda L. Witt | Knoxville Downtown |
