BCHS nurse navigator certified by breast center

Susan DeRuiter, RN in The Cancer Care Center at Battle Creek Health System has completed National Consortium of Breast Centers requirements to become a certified breast patient navigator.

This certification validates her knowledge and skills in providing quality care to cancer patients, assisting them through the continuum and helping them contact appropriate members of staff on whom they will depend for services and support.

She was selected to lead the BCHS nurse navigator program in 2007, serving as a liaison between the patient, the family, and the physician offering patients various resources and support services that they need during their cancer treatments.

DeRuiter received her registered nurse training through the applied science nursing program at Kellogg Community College, a bachelor's degree from Western Michigan University, and a breast health navigator certificate. She has served as a staff nurse in oncology, post-op, postpartum, and occupational medicine for more than 20 years.

For information regarding the BCHS nurse navigator programs, contact DeRuiter at (269) 966-8647.

Battle Creek Health System, sponsored by two parent organizations--Trinity Health (the fourth largest Catholic health system in the U.S. with 21 hospitals, 9 nursing homes, 19 senior house facilities, 8 home health care agencies, and 4 hospices in Michigan alone) and BCHS Community Partners, is accredited by the Joint Commission. Battle Creek Health System, a member of the Mercy Cancer Network, is a recipient of the 2008 HealthGrades Orthopaedic Surgery Excellence Award(tm) and 2009 Five Star rated for joint replacement surgery and total knee replacement. HealthGrades is a leading health care information company that provides objective 'report card' ratings nationwide. BCHS provides excellent health care for the community and promotes wellness for the whole person with access and compassion for all. For the latest medical information, visit the BCHS web site at www.bchealth.com or call the BCHS Marketing Department at (269) 966-8132.

About The Cancer Care Center at Battle Creek Health System
The Cancer Care Center at Battle Creek Health System offers comprehensive, state-of-the-art services based upon the latest cancer research, sophisticated diagnostic equipment, a multi-specialty team including board certified surgeons who discuss and coordinate treatment plans, and life-long patient follow-up through cancer registry.

The Cancer Care Center recently unveiled its newly renovated facilities adding 6,000 square feet of new area and 3,000 square feet of renovation giving critically needed treatment space for cancer patients, lifesaving new technology, a more healing environment, and room to grow complementary therapies. It also includes an American Cancer Society resource library for patients and community members who wish to learn more about this disease. The Cancer Center also offers an ACS program called 'Road to Recovery' that provides transportation for patients to their lifesaving and life-sustaining treatments at the hospital.

The Cancer Care Center is a member of the Mercy Cancer Network, a group of Trinity Health organizations throughout the state that links local hospitals and cancer centers to provide patients and families access to the most advanced medicine and latest in cancer diagnostics, clinical research trials, and therapeutic technology.