You can connect with a Nurse Navigator by contacting the team at St. Thomas & St. Croix Cancer Specialists directly. Once connected, we’ll help guide you to the support you need, answer any immediate questions and get your care journey started.

No, you do not need a referral to connect with a Nurse Navigator. Patients, caregivers and health care providers are all welcome to reach out directly. In some cases, providers may refer patients to the program to support care planning and communication, but a referral isn’t required to access this service.

A Nurse Navigator helps guide you through the cancer care process, offering support that’s both practical and deeply personal. Their role is to make sure you’re never left feeling lost, overwhelmed or alone during your treatment journey.

Here’s how they do that:

• Coordinate your care so appointments, tests and treatments happen smoothly and on time

• Explain complex medical information in plain language so you feel confident about your next steps

• Identify and remove obstacles — like transportation challenges or access to services — that can delay care

• Connect you with trusted community resources like counseling, financial assistance and support groups

• Offer emotional support when things feel heavy, serving as a steady point of contact who not only understands, but cares

• Help ensure your voice is heard during care planning by helping you communicate your needs and concerns

Yes, family members and caregivers are encouraged to speak with the Nurse Navigator. Whether you're helping a loved one understand their diagnosis, manage appointments or make treatment decisions, the Nurse Navigator is here to support not only the patient, but their close loved ones as well.

Yes, patients are typically supported by the same Nurse Navigator throughout their care. Building a consistent relationship allows the Navigator to truly understand your needs and preferences — something that’s hard to do if you must keep starting over with someone new. That ongoing connection creates a sense of trust and stability, which can make a big difference when facing difficult decisions or navigating unfamiliar territory.

The Nurse Navigator stays in close contact with your care team by calling providers directly, sending secure updates and participating in coordination meetings when needed. This kind of ongoing communication keeps your care organized and responsive, so you don’t have to track down answers or repeat the same information at every visit.

Yes, the Nurse Navigator can help schedule appointments and make sure they’re timed appropriately within your care plan. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by next steps or juggling multiple visits, they step in to coordinate with the clinic and streamline the process. It’s one less thing for you to manage. That way you can focus on healing instead of logistics.

Yes, the Nurse Navigator plays a key role in helping you understand your treatment plan and make informed care decisions. They offer guidance in a way that’s clear, compassionate and communicated comfortably. Here’s how they support you:

• Review your treatment plan with you step by step, answering questions along the way

• Break down complex medical terms so they’re easier to understand

• Talk through the potential benefits, risks and expectations of each option

• Help you prepare questions to ask your doctor during appointments

• Follow up after visits to clarify next steps or revisit anything that felt confusing
  

Their goal is to make sure you feel confident in your care and supported in every decision you face.

Yes, the Nurse Navigator can assist with many of the financial and insurance-related challenges that come with cancer care. While they may not process claims themselves, they act as a knowledgeable guide to help you understand your options and avoid unexpected costs. Here’s how they can help:

• Explain what parts of your treatment may or may not be covered by insurance

• Connect you with billing specialists or financial counselors for in-depth assistance

• Help you gather the necessary paperwork for prior authorizations or appeals

• Identify local and national programs that offer financial aid or transportation support

• Work with your care team to explore lower-cost alternatives when possible

Money shouldn’t stand in the way of treatment. The Nurse Navigator is there to help reduce that burden so you can focus on health, not bills.

No, there is no additional cost to work with a Nurse Navigator. This service is part of the Oncology Nurse Navigator program at St Thomas and  St. Croix Cancer Specialists and is available to support patients, families and caregivers throughout their cancer care journey.

A Nurse Navigator helps carry the weight when it feels like too much to hold on your own. By stepping in to manage the details — coordinating appointments, answering questions, clearing up confusion — they create space for you to breathe. You don’t have to chase down information or wonder who to call. There’s someone in your corner who knows your story, keeps track of what matters and walks with you through each step. That kind of support doesn’t just lighten the load: it reminds you that you’re not in this alone.

Your first conversation with a Nurse Navigator is a chance to share your story and begin building a plan that fits your unique needs. It shouldn’t feel rushed or clinical. Instead, you should leave the first discussion feeling like you’re seen, supported and in control. They’ll ask thoughtful questions to understand your situation and start identifying where they can help most.

Here are some common questions they might ask:

• What do you understand about your diagnosis so far?

• Have you started any treatments or scheduled appointments?

• Do you have any concerns about transportation, insurance or logistics?

• Who supports you at home or helps with decision-making?

• What are your biggest questions or worries right now?

The goal isn’t just to gather information. It's to begin a partnership that’s grounded in trust and that will be there for as long as you need it.