Our Nurse Navigator: Your Care Concierge

Being told that you have a brain tumor or other condition requiring Gamma Knife treatment can be overwhelming. But The Gamma Knife Center’s Nurse Navigator Susan Lombardo, R.N., is here to help.

“I’m the first one they talk to when they call, and I call them with updates and help coordinate their appointments,” says Susan, who’s been a nurse at The Valley Hospital for more than 31 years. “I’ll be with them during the entire procedure.”

Susan is the backbone of The Gamma Knife Center’s patient support system and acts as the go-to person for assistance with everything from verifying insurance, scheduling appointments with the doctors who may be involved in treatment and educating patients and their families about the procedure to fielding questions and concerns, caring for patients on treatment day and coordinating follow-up care.

“Sometimes patients call or come in with high anxiety,” she says. “When they leave, they’re reassured and in a calm state of mind. That’s important to me.”

With a wealth of experience in caring for patients, Susan knows the importance of caring for the whole person.

“It isn’t just physical care that’s important,” she says. “Patients need emotional support and a healing environment, too. It’s about the continuity of care. They know that when they call the Center, I’m the person on the other end of the line.”

Prior to joining The Gamma Knife Center, Susan was the clinical supervisor of the same-day medical department, a position she held for 10 years. During that time, she was instrumental in the development of several programs aimed to improve patients’ outcomes and overall experience.

Have a question? Contact Susan at 201-634-5677 or slombar@valleyhealth.com.