Extra help during your cancer journey
Managing life with cancer can be difficult. It can be overwhelming to deal with your diagnosis, doctor visits, treatment, and other stress that can come with a cancer diagnosis.
Our patient navigation program is available to support you and your loved ones throughout your journey. Offered free of charge, the program is focused on coordinating your care and connecting you with support resources.
During your first visit, you will meet with one of our patient advocates who will explain the care process and answer your initial questions. Your patient advocate will serve as your one point of contact throughout your treatment at the June E. Nylen Cancer Center.
You will also take a survey to provide us with important information on the areas of your health journey causing you the most stress or concern. This information will be used to connect you with team members that can assist you during your treatment at the cancer center such as:
Social workers for emotional support and information on community resources
Financial navigators to answer questions about the cost of treatment and financial assistance
Dietitians to provide information on nutritional care during treatment
Benefits of patient navigation
Our patient navigation program offers you many advantages such as:
Tips and information to prepare you for your first appointment
Education on support services and resources including our patient portal system, nutrition, financial and transportation assistance, and information on additional community resources when needed
Streamlined communication between your healthcare team
Assistance with access to clinical trials and second opinions when needed
Help with questions regarding your condition and treatment options
Your patient advocate can also assist with services unique to your own diagnosis and needs. We encourage you to contact your patient advocate at any time with questions or for assistance.
Learn how our patient navigation program can help you. Contact our patient advocates today.
Meet the patient navigation team
Leanne Bruns, RN-BSN, Patient Advocate
Leanne has been working with our patients for nearly six years, most recently serving as a patient advocate. She is one of the first team members new patients meet at the cancer center.
As a patient advocate, Leanne’s role is to be a patient’s one point of contact for all aspects of their care and other needs during treatment. This can include patient questions about their treatment, financial concerns, physical needs, or spiritual care.
A cancer diagnosis can be very overwhelming. Leanne enjoys getting to know patients personally, so she can help them navigate through treatment and reduce their stress.
Contact Leanne for questions about your care or additional support.
Email: brunsl@jencc.com
Phone: (712) 252-9306
traci bates, Financial Navigator
Financial burdens can prevent a patient from getting the care they need or continuing with their treatment. This can have a negative impact on a patient’s health and healing process.
As a financial navigator, Traci’s role is to help patients understand their total cost of care and out-of-pocket expenses. She also connects qualifying patients with financial assistance funds and programs to ease the financial stress of treatment.
Traci enjoys getting to know patients and is available to answer your insurance or cost of treatment questions.
Email: batest@jencc.com
Phone: (712) 252-9352
Sue LeGree, RN, Patient Advocate & Manager of Patient Navigation Program
During her 18 years at June E. Nylen Cancer Center, Sue has helped hundreds of patients at every stage of their cancer journey. Sue enjoys getting to know each patient, helping them understand their disease, and their treatment plan.
As a registered nurse, Sue is a trusted resource for patients and their questions about their care plan and what they can expect during each stage of treatment. It’s a role that Sue takes to heart. She works with patients on their first visit, so each patient knows they have one point of contact for their questions and concerns.
Contact Sue for questions regarding your cancer journey or resources available to assist you.
Email: legrees@jencc.com
Phone: (712) 252-9370
Emily Smith, MS, RD, LD, Oncology Dietitian
A patient’s nutritional needs are unique. Emily works with patients and their loved ones to create a diet plan that meets the needs specific to their diagnosis and treatment plan.
A South Dakota State University graduate, Emily listens to patients so she can learn about their dietary needs at the time of their diagnosis and after treatment. This approach provides the patient with comprehensive care and helps Emily determine if a patient may benefit from additional patient navigation services.
Prior to her work at June E. Nylen Cancer Center, Emily was a Clinical Dietitian at Siouxland PACE and began her career as a Public Health Dietitian at Siouxland District Health Department for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). In addition to a Bachelor’s Degree in Dietetics, Emily has a Master’s Degree in Nutrition and Exercise Science.
Email: smithe@jencc.com
Phone: (712) 252-9425
ChRIS STRAND, LBSW, SOCIAL WORKER
Patients don’t often know where to begin after being diagnosed with cancer. Chris’ role is to help patients manage the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of their cancer diagnosis. This can include assisting with transportation and community resources, assessing mental health needs, developing a plan for care in the patient’s home, or providing education regarding advanced directives.
Chris, an experienced healthcare social worker, is available to connect with you every resource you need from diagnosis and treatment to survivorship.
Email: strandc@jencc.com
Phone: (712) 252-9321
The Patient Navigation Wing in our facility is named after a generous donation to our Hope and Healing Campaign given by the Chesterman Family Foundation.