My name is Jennie Ortgiesen, BSN, RN, CN-BN, and I’m a Breast Surgery Nurse Navigator at UW Health in Northern Illinois.

What is your role at UW Health?

I support breast cancer patients though their journey from informing them of their diagnosis, facilitating all necessary referrals and appointments, and being their point person throughout the whole process.

What makes UW Health unique?

Our patients have access to all of the specialties offered by an academic medical center, right here at home. Currently our navigation program consists of a breast cancer nurse navigator, a lung cancer nurse navigator, and me, breast surgery nurse navigator. Our nurse navigation program is expanding to further support our patients by introducing a gynecology oncology nurse navigator and colorectal nurse navigator. Nurse navigation is integral to creating a positive patient experience in a time that can be overwhelming to say the least.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

Making a difference in our patient’s journey. Receiving a cancer diagnosis is life changing. It is an honor to be able to support them and to make the whole process less daunting.

Learn more about Pink Month with UW Health HERE