These nurses help navigate patients through their toughest times

Nurse navigators play a vital role in managing a patient’s diagnosis, treatment, and healing of cancer. Here are the stories of four oncology nurse navigators.

By TJ Banes, IU Health Senior Journalist, tfender1@iuhealth.org

Keri Gadient:

Gadient previously worked for IU Health for five years and returned in 2023 to join the Nurse Oncology Navigator team. Her focus is on the thoracic oncology program, navigating lung and esophageal cancer patients. She also has experience working with the IU Health Precision Genomics Department and as a nurse coordinator in the Multi-D unit of Simon Cancer Center.

“I like having a relationship and building trust with my patients during a time where they fear the unknown,” said Gadient. “As a navigator in the Thoracic Oncology Program, I am usually the first person they talk to and receive education on their cancer. All my patients know, I’m just a phone call away to help ease the start to their cancer journey.”

Her advice to those considering a career in nursing: “It is never too late to start. If you have a compassionate heart and passion to take care of people, I say go for it. I have been a nurse for nine years starting as an LPN to ASN and completing my BSN while working at IU Health.”

Cindy Neuen;

Neuen has been with IU Health for seven years and in the role of nurse navigator for Genitourinary (GU) oncology for the past six months. GU oncology is a branch of medicine that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of cancers that affect the urinary system (kidneys, bladder) and male reproductive organs (prostate, testicles).

“I really enjoy talking with patients and setting their minds at ease prior to their first appointment. It is nice to be the ‘point person’ for the patients and let them know they have an advocate and an ear to listen when they need it,” said Neuen.

Her advice for someone considering a careering in nursing: “Think about how you want to impact lives and pursue that role in nursing. Nurses are great teachers, motivators, problem solvers, comforters, and helpers. Find the niche in nursing that fits you best.”

Jeri Osterbur:

Osterbur has been with IU Health since 2018 and became a nurse

navigator in 2022 with a focus on breast oncology. She recently transitioned into the role

of team lead for the nurse navigation program.

“The thing I like the best about my job is supporting and encouraging new ways to provide excellent care to our cancer patients. I enjoy seeking solutions that are ‘outside of the box’ or that haven’t been tried before. My passion is to support the ‘human,’ not just treat the cancer,” said Osterbur.

Her advice to someone thinking of a career in nursing: “Be ready for constant change. Be adamant about speaking up for your goals, visions, and your patients. Be kind to your patients, their families, your colleagues and especially yourself.”

Penny Burris:

Burris has been a nurse for 40 years and has worked at IU Health since 2015. During that time, she worked as an oncology clinic coordinator for lung and esophageal cancer. In February, she became a nurse navigator for patients with breast cancer.

“I like having a connection with my patients at the beginning of their diagnosis with cancer hopefully being able to answer some of those anxiety/fear producing questions and explain what will happen at their appointments and educate them on this new diagnosis,” said Burris. “I also like helping them understand why so many tests and appointments are important. In the end, I hope I help make their journey through cancer a little easier.”

Her advice to future nurses: “Do it because you have a caring heart and are willing to be an advocate for your patients. There are so many areas of nursing you can specialize in, you will find your love.”