The Shore Regional Cancer Center recently expanded the support services available for cancer patients with the addition of a new and unique resource – an oncology nurse navigator.
In this new position, Margot Spies, BSN, RN, OCN, helps cancer patients through the process of accepting their diagnosis and finding the help they need throughout the treatment process and into survivorship. As oncology nurse navigator, Spies is the point person for newly diagnosed patients, collaborating with oncology specialists to ensure a seamless coordination of comprehensive care, while maintaining timely communication with patients’ primary care physicians.
“I spend each day talking with patients and their families about the full spectrum of support that is available to them to address their physical, emotional and spiritual issues surrounding cancer,” says Spies. “I’m here to help ease the challenges so patients are able to follow their treatment regimen and focus on getting well.”
Spies attends ongoing patient care conferences and works hand-in-hand with the multidisciplinary team of professionals who deliver the latest advances in treatment, research, support and rehabilitation services. She links patients and their caregivers with the resources and services to address the inherent challenges that often come with a diagnosis of cancer. This may include nutrition counseling, speech therapy; physical and occupational therapy or oncology social work; finding financial aid, transportation and child care; and locating other services that may help with managing the stress of a cancer diagnosis.
“I try to be that someone who patients want to talk to about substantial issues and the person who can relay critical information to patients and between departments to make the experience a little easier,” Spies adds.
Education and Advocacy
“As a professional nurse who has 37 years of experience working with people who have cancer, Margot understands how challenging the journey can be for patients,” says Brian Leutner, director for oncology services for Shore Health System. “She is completely devoted to discovering patients’ specific needs and has the training, knowledge and expertise to connect them with the essential clinical care and support resources in a timely manner.”
Since accepting the Oncology Nurse Navigator position, Spies has completed the George Washington University Executive Training on Navigation and Survivorship at the GW Cancer Institute and participated in the First Annual Academy of Nurse Navigators Conference. She also traveled extensively to observe a variety of oncology navigator and survivorship programs at hospitals and clinics in Maryland, Delaware, North Carolina and Florida.
Spies, a native of Easton, began her nursing career as a staff nurse for the cardiac care unit at Dorchester General Hospital in 1974 after graduating with a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Towson State College. During her long nursing career she has been a staff nurse at the Memorial Hospital at Easton and Shore Health System’s Digestive Health Center. She joined Shore Regional Cancer Center in 1992 and has specialized in oncology nursing ever since.
Spies is certified by the Oncology Nursing Society and licensed in the State of Maryland. She is a member of the Oncology Nursing Society, the Academy of Oncology Nurse Navigators, the National Coalition of Oncology Nurse Navigators and the Association of Community Cancer Centers. She currently serves on the board of directors for the Cancer Support Community. Spies is founder, past president and current treasurer for the Upper Eastern Shore Chapter of the Oncology Nursing Society (UESONS). The UESONS presented Spies with the Oncology Nurse of The Year Award in 1998 and 2005 and the Outstanding Service Award in 2005.
Shore Regional Cancer Center is an affiliate of Shore Health System. For more information about cancer programs available for people throughout the Mid-Shore region, call 410-820-6800 and visit http://www.shorehealth.org/services/cancercenter.