HJBR Jul/Aug 2019

62 JUL / AUG 2019  I  Healthcare Journal of Baton Rouge   Hospital Rounds Moms Blog. “One way we do this is to create meaningful experiences in person, like Bloom, for women to connect with other moms in their immediate community.” Woman’s Hospital Grows Cancer Nurse Navigator Program Woman’s Hospital welcomes Ashli Morales, RN, as its third cancer nurse navigator, dedicated to assisting patients with the overwhelming expecta- tions and decisions women face during their entire cancer journey from diagnosis through survivor- ship. Nurse navigators offer individualized assis- tance to patients, families, and caregivers to help facilitate informed decisions and ensure that patients have timely access to information about their care. Woman’s nurse navigators had more than 6,500 patient encounters in the Breast & GYN Cancer Pavilion’s first year. “Cancer treatment has changed exponen- tially over the years, which means that treatment options and decisions have become much more complex as well,” said Cynthia Rabalais, executive director of the Breast & GYN Cancer Pavilion, a partnership with Mary Bird Perkins-Our Lady of the Lake Cancer Center. “Research shows that nurse navigators help patients with cancer to feel more supported, informed, and prepared for what can graduating seniors to receive hands-only CPR instruction. The law is an unfunded mandate, which means that donations from organizations like the West Feliciana Hospital help provide the training and resources that students need in order to fulfill the CPR graduation requirement. “Our parish has a great school system, and the hospital is always happy to provide assistance, especially, when it is healthcare related. This pro- gram will help train the next generation of life- savers” said Lee Chastant, CEO, West Feliciana Hospital. Free Skin Cancer Screening Offered through BRGMid City Baton Rouge General (BRG) offered a free skin cancer screening in June at its Mid City campus. “One in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime,” said Dr. Azeen Sadeghian, a der- matologist. “While it is the most common type of cancer, it is also highly curable with early detec- tion and proper treatment.” Skin cancer affects people of all ages, races, and ethnic groups. Although the risk is higher in peo- ple with fair skin, and light hair and eyes, those with darker skin are more often diagnosed in the later stages, when it’s harder to treat. One of the most common signs of skin cancer is a mole or freckle that changes size, shape, color, or texture, especially over a short period of time. One of the most serious types of skin cancer is melanoma, which is one of the most common can- cers among young adults. BRG’s Pennington Can- cer Center has one of the nation’s only programs for treating metastatic melanoma with IL-2 ther- apy, bringing in patients from all over the country. Fourth Annual BloomEvent Hosts New and ExpectingMoms Red Stick Moms Blog and Baton Rouge Gen- eral hosted Bloom, an annual event celebrating motherhood and pregnancy. This year’s brunch was held on Baton Rouge General’s Bluebonnet campus. “As OB/GYNs, we’re honored to be there for some of the most memorable moments of a wom- an’s life, but as parents, we also understand how emotional and overwhelming pregnancy and motherhood can feel,” said Dr. Candee Moore with Baton Rouge General Physicians. “That’s why our team focuses on doing everything we can to make this time as stress-free as possible, includ- ing fun and helpful events like this.” Bloom featured a brunch catered by Baton Rouge General, Smallcakes Baton Rouge, and Truly Southern Pretzel Crunch. Swag bags fea- tured products from more than 30 companies. Those attending had access to educational booths and resources to help make motherhood easier – including prenatal and postpartum sup- port. Participants also had a chance to talk with BRG’s OB-GYNs and tour BRG’s Birth Center. “The overarching mission of Red Stick Moms Blog is to connect local moms both online and off,” said Ashley Angelico, co-owner of Red Stick Woman’s Hospital welcomes Ashli Morales, RN, as its third cancer nurse navigator, dedicated to assisting patients with the overwhelming expectations and decisions women face during their entire cancer journey from diagnosis through survivorship. Members of the multidisciplinary cancer support team include, left to right, Morales; Robin Maggio, LCSW; Robin Strate, RD; Hannah Arnold, RN; and Ashley Marks, RN.