Caregiver Spotlight. Christine Conti, RN

A conversation with an oncology

Donor support helps Huntington Hospital attract and retain the most dedicated and compassionate caregivers — like Christine Conti, RN. Christine is a nurse navigator at Huntington Cancer Center, an affiliate of Cedars-Sinai Cancer. While we are taking steps to further grow and enhance our cancer program, we have long employed a team of nurse navigators like Christine to serve our patients. Christine specializes in thoracic cancer, including lung cancer. We sat down with her recently to ask her about her role and how her work makes a difference to cancer patients throughout our region.

Q. What does a nurse navigator do?

A. At Huntington Cancer Center, our team of nurse navigators helps patients throughout their cancer journey. We are patient advocates. We assess and anticipate their needs, including clinical, emotional, spiritual, financial and other needs. We provide the patient with education about their type of cancer and treatment options, coordinate appointments, communicate with members of the care team, provide referrals for supportive resources and more. We are here to guide patients through one of the most challenging times in their lives

Q. What impact do nurse navigators have on patients?

A. My first contact with patients is often after they have been told they have a mass on the lung. Understandably, I am usually met with expressions of shock, fear and distress, but I do my best to make a personal connection and develop a trusting relationship. I take time to assess them and their understanding of the situation. I then work on answering questions and addressing any concerns they have. As much as possible, I try to quell anxiety. Our team of compassionate navigators is always looking for ways to make the care process easier for our patients.

Q. What makes Huntington Cancer Center special?

A. We are proud to have an unrivaled patient support program. Our support services include our Integrative Oncology program, support groups and more. Through the Constance G. Zahorik Appearance Center, we help patients manage the cosmetic side effects of their cancer treatment. We are very fortunate to be able to offer these services. In my role, I am able to connect our patients with these amazing resources.

Q. What is a typical day like for you?

A. Once I get to the hospital, every day is different. I may start by comforting a patient who is just starting treatment and then celebrate with another who has finished chemotherapy — and that is just in the first hour. I typically spend a lot of time on the phone talking to patients and relaying important information to their doctors. I do all I can to guide patients through the health care system and overcome barriers that prevent them from getting the care they need.

Q. What should patients know about lung cancer screening?

A. In California, only 1% of those at high risk for lung cancer get screened, so it is important that we normalize screening. Early detection truly does save lives. People aged 50 to 80 years old who have a 20-pack-year smoking history (that means one pack a day for 20 years, two packs a day for 10 years, etc.), currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years need to get screened annually. Be sure to ask your doctor for a screening referral if you meet these guidelines.

Q. How does donor support make a difference to your work?

A. Simply put, we would not be able to provide navigation services for our cancer patients if it were not for philanthropy. Our navigation services are complimentary for patients, and we use donor funds to help cover the cost. It is a privilege to be let into someone’s life at their most vulnerable and to be able to help them. I am reminded daily of the importance and necessity of what we do, and I am thankful to the donors who allow me to be part of this journey with our patients.

Would you like to say thank you in a special way to a nurse navigator or other Huntington team member? Consider making a Grateful Hearts gift in gratitude. When you acknowledge a nurse, physician, staff member or volunteer, he or she will be notified of your Grateful Heart gift and provided with a special lapel pin. Visit https://giving.huntingtonhospital.com/caregiver to learn more.

Most people naturally associate buildings and sophisticated machines with hospitals. Those are, of course, essential, but it is the dedicated, compassionate and talented personnel who work inside the buildings and operate the machines who are the true heart and soul of any health care institution. At Huntington Hospital, Allen Mathies, MD, epitomized such an inspiring individual.