LRCC Offers More Advanced Care to Breast Cancer Patients as a Result of Specialty Certification
Thursday, July 1 2010
Tina Weakland, RN, BS, breast cancer nurse navigator for Lakeland Regional Cancer Center (LRCC), became one of only 400 Certified Breast Care Nurses (CBCN®) in the nation. The CBCN® is a specialty certification that covers the entire continuum of breast care. The certification is offered by the Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation and those that achieve it demonstrate a high level of expertise regarding breast cancer in a variety of areas, including: research, early detection, treatment, symptom management and psychosocial dimensions of care.
As the breast cancer nurse navigator for Lakeland Regional Medical Center, Weakland makes it her mission to support breast cancer patients during one of the most critical times in their lives. From the initial diagnosis all the way through treatment and survivorship, Weakland coordinates her patients’ care and empowers them to make informed treatment decisions. Now as a CBCN®, Tina’s broadened knowledge base will offer LRCC’s breast cancer patients even more advanced quality care.
“I’m happy for the organization (LRMC) because it continues to recognize how important it is to grow our breast cancer treatment program,” said Weakland.
The CBCN certification process is rigorous and involves an extensive examination testing knowledge in multiple disciplines. However, Weakland’s learning process did not end upon successfully completing the examination. In order to maintain the certification, she will continue to stay on top of new research and trends by participating in continued education in breast cancer treatment.
Additionally, the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers has recognized LRCC as an outstanding provider of quality breast care. For more than a year, the LRCC team diligently worked to meet the program’s rigorous 27 standards and 17 components of care that collectively provide the most efficient and contemporary care available. LRCC is one of only two Florida breast centers and only 52 nationally to be accredited.
For more information about Lakeland Regional’s Cancer Center or to schedule a consultation, call 863-603-6565.