- Exploring various forms of art, such as ceramics, creative writing, and mixed media sculpture, to nurture creativity and personal growth
- Enjoy hiking, kayaking, travel, and meditation and yoga, for overall physical and mental well-being
Rachelle I. Portner
Summary
Compassionate, dedicated RN/Oncology Nurse Navigator with extensive expertise in oncology patient care and navigation. Proven track record in exceptional patient coordination, education, clinical assessment, and triage of acute patient needs. Recognized for fostering collaboration and communication within multidisciplinary teams and adapting to evolving and diverse patient needs. Consistently delivers outcomes-driven care with empathy and professionalism, utilizing excellent communication skills in high-stress environments.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
RN Oncology Nurse Navigator
BASS Cancer Center
01.2024 - Current
- Responsible for Nurse Navigation program and services for multi-specialty acute outpatient oncology clinic, covering Breast Surgical Oncology, Infusion Center, Medical and Radiation Oncology patient needs.
- Ensures timely access to care through screening and triage of acute patients; providing support through collaboration with treatment team, coordination of diagnostic testing, treatment services and provider appointments.
- Provide comprehensive and individualized patient education on diagnosis, treatment options, and side-effects management, addressing patients' barriers to care and health literacy needs.
- Collaborates with patients and providers to facilitate shared decision making in treatment planning, ensuring patients values and optimal outcomes are prioritized.
- Assess patient psychosocial needs through distress screenings and coordinates referrals within the health system and community for psychosocial support, financial assistance, survivorship, and other resources.
- Maintain cooperative working relationships with patients, peers, physicians, and administrators from diverse backgrounds, demonstrating diplomacy and empathy in all interactions.
- Provide post-treatment assessment and survivorship care planning with appropriate referrals for rehabilitation and supportive care.
RN Oncology Nurse Navigator/Program Coordinator
UCSF/John Muir Health Cancer Center
01.2009 - 01.2021
- Provided individualized education, care coordination, and support to newly diagnosed cancer patients throughout the continuum of care in acute care hospital setting and in outpatient clinic.
- Responsible for triage and assessment, care planning, connecting patients to resources and support services, and assistance with management of acute, long-term and late effects of treatment.
- Met with patients and families to provide education about cancer treatments, side effects, and self-care strategies to improve health outcomes; focusing on overcoming barriers to care, practical needs of patient to accommodate treatment process, and addressing care gaps.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop individualized treatment plans that addressed each patient's unique needs.
- Served as a consistent, trusted resource for patients, families, and caregivers to answer questions and discuss concerns throughout diagnosis process, treatment, survivorship, and end-of-life care.
- Participated in multidisciplinary tumor board meetings, contributing insights for comprehensive patient care planning.
- Responsible for medical staff education regarding post-treatment/survivorship issues and concerns, as well as the development of educational modules, community education events and program development to further increase awareness and competencies in working with cancer survivors.
- Met with patients and caregivers to develop lifelong, integrative wellness plan: focusing on nutrition, exercise, stress resiliency, sleep hygiene, and self-compassion to cultivate greater well-being.
Health and Wellness Educator
Cancer Support Community
01.2008 - 06.2023
- Workshop creator and instructor, “Cancer 101”, "Living Well Beyond Cancer", and "Mindful Well-being"; designed for cancer patients and caregivers. Topics include: understanding your diagnosis; basic cancer biology, navigating the healthcare system, managing side-effects, coping with fear and anxiety, self-advocacy, using the internet as a research tool, locating resources, lifestyle habits for lifelong well-being.
Clinical Nurse II
UCLA Health/Ronald Regan Hospital
04.1998 - 06.2000
- Assessed, planned, implemented, and evaluated nursing care for patients with rheumatologic and immunologic diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, spondylitis, and related autoimmune or inflammatory conditions.
- Monitored and documented vital signs, laboratory results, and patient responses to therapy, including high-risk medications such as biologics, corticosteroids, and immunosuppressive agents.
- Administered medications via oral, intravenous, and subcutaneous routes; monitored for and managed infusion reactions or adverse events.
- Provided patient and family education regarding disease processes, medication regimens, self-injection techniques, infection prevention, and symptom management strategies.
- Collaborated with physicians, nurse practitioners, pharmacists, therapists, and other healthcare professionals to coordinate comprehensive care plans.
- Served as a patient advocate, triaging acute symptoms, and ensuring prompt escalation of care when necessary.
- Adhered to infection control protocols and ensure a safe environment for immunocompromised patients.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
University of California, Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CaliforniaBachelor of Arts - English Literature
University of California, Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CaliforniaSkills
- Microsoft Word, Excel, Powerpoint, and Outlook
- EPIC EMR
- Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction qualified teacher through UMASS Medical School
- Yearlong intensive, and continuing ongoing training, in Non-Violent Communication
- Excellent writer, group facilitator, and public speaker
Accomplishments
- Led multidisciplinary team in developing CoC/ NAPRC (National Accreditation Program for Rectal Cancer) at UCSF/JMH Cancer Center.
- National Speaker for the American College of Surgeons on the development of oncology accreditation programs of excellence for breast and rectal cancer,
- Responsible for program development, implementation, and supervision of CoC standards 5.2, Psychosocial Distress Screening of all cancer patients, and 4.8, Survivorship Program, in the UCSF/John Muir Health system.
- Developed and facilitate patient and family education courses; Cancer 101, Living Well Beyond Cancer, and Mindful Well-being to support patient awareness and advocacy, recovery, and manage stress during and after treatment.
Affiliations
- Academy of Oncology Nurse Navigators; Member
- Patient Advocate Foundation, Member, Contributing Writer
- Oncology Nursing Society, Nurse Navigation Advisory Board
- STAR Certified Cancer Rehabilitation Clinician
Certification
- BRN-RN California
- Basic Life Support-Current
Interests
Timeline
RN Oncology Nurse Navigator
BASS Cancer Center
01.2024 - Current
RN Oncology Nurse Navigator/Program Coordinator
UCSF/John Muir Health Cancer Center
01.2009 - 01.2021
Health and Wellness Educator
Cancer Support Community
01.2008 - 06.2023
Clinical Nurse II
UCLA Health/Ronald Regan Hospital
04.1998 - 06.2000
Bachelor of Arts - English Literature
University of California, Los Angeles
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
University of California, Los Angeles
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