Nurse Helps Patients Navigate Their Care

Belen Vigil (right), R.N., Nurse Navigator at Gila Regional Medical Center, offers support for women who need help with their health care.

 

 

Women whose test results indicate they might have breast cancer often feel like they're on their own. But those who come to Gila Regional Medical Center aren't alone -- they have Belen Vigil, R.N., B.S.N.

 

Vigil has been a women's health Nurse Navigator at the hospital since 2008. Her main role is to coordinate care and provide support to women who have or may have breast cancer.

 

She also assists women who need help scheduling their health screenings and treatment, including patients who seek tests or treatment for bone loss, heart disease, or urinary incontinence.

 

A Point Person For Women

"Patients like working with Belen because she makes women's health care more coordinated and cohesive," says Mindy Suhr, R.N., B.S.N., Director of Maternal Child Health. "Some patients travel a long way to receive care at our hospital. Besides providing support, Belen can help make sure that women line up the tests and treatments they need to make the most of their time here."

 

Answers About Breast Cancer And More

"Health care can be complicated," says Vigil. "Women appreciate having a nurse available to help them understand tests, answer questions, and offer support." 

 

Vigil has been trained to work with breast cancer patients and works mostly with women who have abnormal mammograms. She makes sure these patients receive a visit after their test. "I help them understand the next steps. This might include additional tests and surgery or radiation if needed," she says. 

 

The nurse navigator also provides answers for women on the nonmedical issues. These include transportation, financial assistance, and other concerns. "The range of support I provide is really what nursing is all about," she says.

 

Do you need help understanding your health care?

Our Nurse Navigator can help. Call 575/538-4101 to learn more.