Danielle McQuigg

Cancer nurse navigator

The Cancer Institute at St. Joseph Medical Center, Towson

Salary --$65,000

Age --27

Years on the job --Four

How she got started --After graduating from the Johns Hopkins University with a bachelor's degree in nursing, McQuigg started working at the inpatient oncology unit at St. Joseph Medical Center. In April, she became a cancer nurse navigator, who acts as a liaison between patients and their various doctors, helping to arrange treatments and appointments. She expects to complete her master's degree this spring.

Typical day --One of the things McQuigg enjoys about her job is the hours, which run Monday through Friday from about 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. She might work an occasional weekend, but is off nights and holidays. The job involves helping newly diagnosed cancer patients through their treatments. McQuigg works with five or six patients a day. She'll answer questions, explain the treatment and go over medications. She also assists patients in finding resources, including transportation, prescription assistance and support groups.

"There are a lot of organizations out there that offer assistance to cancer patients. I try to be the link between the patients and the services I know are out there."

McQuigg also teaches a weekly, one-hour chemotherapy class for patients, their families and friends that gives a general overview of what to expect during treatment. McQuigg is the only cancer nurse navigator at the center.

Oncology --McQuigg said a lot of people go into nursing because they enjoy helping others. She knew early on she wanted to specialize in oncology.

"I felt like this was one group of patients you get the most back from. You meet people at a very difficult point in their life. Being able to help them make it better in some way, I found that very rewarding."

The patients --"They put me at ease," McQuigg said. "People are very receptive of having someone like me come into this. I'm the consistent link throughout the treatment."

The good --"People coming back and telling you that you made a difference in their treatment."

The bad --"There's just not enough time in the day," said McQuigg, who added that it's hard not to become really attached to the patients.

Resources --While there's a lot of support services for breast cancer patients, McQuigg said sometimes the resources for other cancer patients are lacking.

Philosophy on the job --"Everything here is patient-centered. We really are all about trying to make this experience as easy for the patient as we can."

Nancy Jones-Bonbrest Special to The Sun