What is the Oncology Nurse Navigator Program?

A diagnosis of cancer can be overwhelming, and our nurse navigators are here to help. Our navigation program provides support and education to you and your loved ones throughout your cancer treatment journey. We help you arrange appointments, identify and address barriers to care that you may have and provide access to additional community resources.

According to the Oncology Nursing Society , "navigation in oncology has demonstrated benefits for people at risk for or diagnosed with cancer."

These benefits may include:

  • Shorter time to diagnosis and start of treatment
  • Increased patient and caregiver knowledge
  • Better adherence to recommended care 
  • Improved quality of life
  • Potential for cost reduction through reduced rates of ER visits and readmission


Compassionate, efficient care is our priority and we are dedicated to making your experience as easy as possible for you and your loved ones.

What Do the Oncology Nurse Navigators Do?

Our Oncology Nurse Navigators may assist with many aspects of the cancer treatment journey. Their responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Provide patient education regarding diagnosis, treatment plan and survivorship
  • Assist with the coordination of care from diagnosis to survivorship
  • Act as a single point of contact for the patient, caregivers and cancer care team
  • Identify and break down barriers to care
  • Identify community resources to assist in the patient care journey
  • Provide community education on prevention and screening
  • Facilitate support group offerings

Who Are the Oncology Nurse Navigators?

Our Oncology Nurse Navigators are experienced oncology registered nurses with a background in a variety of cancer care settings. Our navigators are here to empower patients and families with support and education needed to navigate the cancer treatment journey, from diagnosis to survivorship.

In addition to an Oncology Nurse Navigator, your cancer care team will include a specialized, multidisciplinary team of doctors, nurses and specialists who are dedicated to providing a personalized cancer care experience.

Meet Our Oncology Nurse Navigators

Meet the team behind our Oncology Nurse Navigator Program.

Photo of Kayla Byrd, RN, OCN

Kayla Byrd, RN, OCN

Oncology Nurse Navigator

Kayla Byrd began her career as a Registered Nurse at North Central Baptist Hospital after obtaining her nursing degree from the Baptist Nursing program in 2009. Through the years she took opportunities at The START Center, Cancer Care Centers of South Texas, and Texas Oncology, furthering her scope of knowledge in Oncology with a wide range of outpatient care, including infusion, radiation, and leadership positions. She has been an Oncology Certified Nurse since 2014 and has also worked home health, as well as, Guadalupe Regional Medical Center. She spent time as a pre-op/recovery nurse and started with the Infusion department in 2018. It was here, with the Indigent Care Program she found her passion of navigating patients through a collaborative effort of private sector care and the resources afforded to a community based hospital. She is committed to patient advocacy, education, and patient experience to improve the lives of those affected by cancer and assist them in their journeys with compassion.

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