Ste. Genevieve, MO Ste. Genevieve County Memorial Hospital is pleased to announce the recent addition of a Breast Health Clinical Navigator to Métis Breast Center, who will play a key role in streamlining communication between patients and providers.
Christina Pfaff, RN, RNFA, CNOR, BHCN, was encouraged to fill this role, and she recently received her certification.
“It was challenging but a great opportunity,” said Pfaff upon taking the three hour, 150 question exam at the National Consortium of Breast Centers in Las Vegas. “I took the exam in March and received my results in May. Waiting was the hardest part. I was so excited when I found out I passed.”
As a breast health navigator, Pfaff will guide patients through the steps from screening mammography to possible biopsy and can even explain results after consulting with the physicians. She is excited to work with patients in her new role.
“This is an incredible new asset for Métis Breast Center,” said Dr. Theresa Cavins, breast surgeon and director of Metis. “Breast health navigators are an invaluable resource for patients with breast concerns. Christina has over 12 years of experience with all aspects of breast care, and as a registered nurse and accredited surgical first assistant, she is an unbelievable resource for patients and staff. We are excited to celebrate her achievement, which will greatly benefit our patients.”
The benefits of having access to a nurse navigator are many as studies have shown that a nurse navigator increases patient satisfaction, decreases patient anxiety, decreases length of stay in a medical facility, reduces treatment delays and improves the patient’s overall quality of life.
Pfaff said it was worth the extra training and course work this past year, and she’s glad she did it. As for continuing to gain more certifications, she doesn’t rule it out, and says, “Now that I have had the experience, I am really looking forward to the next opportunity.”
Ste. Genevieve County Memorial Hospital is a nonprofit county owned community hospital that works to continue to improve the health and well-being of the community. Our professional staff uses advanced technology and medicine to provide excellent, personalized, and compassionate healthcare.
For more information on Ste. Genevieve County Memorial Hospital, visit stegenevievehospital.org.