Siobhan Stofka, BSN, RN, OCN
Breast Oncology Nurse Navigator and Nurse Writer
My name is Irish, pronounced “Shi-vohn.”
About Nurse Navigators
What is an Oncology Nurse Navigator? We are an essential part of any cancer clinic or program. Here are some of the ways we support our patients:
Educating patients about their doctor’s treatment recommendations.
Coordinating care through diagnosis, surgery, and onto next steps, making sure patients know what’s next and why.
Lending an empathetic and knowledgeable ear to the anxiety patients experience throughout this difficult time.
Connecting patients to resources to support them along the way.
Encouraging patients and supporting their overall well-being in body, mind, and spirit.
About me:
Registered nurse since 2016, having worked in breast oncology since 2021. I work at a breast center in Southern California as nurse navigator with a wonderful team of surgical, medical, and radiation oncologists.
Prior to pursuing my R.N. degree, I was a medically-averse vaccine-skeptical mom. It was through my nursing education, the patience of my daughters’ pediatricians, and being open to changing my mind that I came to appreciate all that modern medicine has to offer. I often write about how my thoughts and fears transformed, and offer perspective to my fellow healthcare providers about how well-intentioned people can go down the slippery slope of misinformation and misunderstandings about science and medicine.
I am committed to equality and justice, and do my best to highlight disparities in healthcare and society in general, and advocate for change. I support people of all genders and orientations, all shapes, sizes and colors. I support a weight-inclusive approach to health and well-being.
I take an integrative approach to health, where complementary therapies such as acupuncture, herbs, nutrition, and meditation can support patients through their medical treatments and in their overall wellbeing.
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Education:
Oncology Certified Nurse - 2023 - Oncology Nursing Society
Bachelor’s Degree Nursing – 2020 – Arizona State University
Associates Degree Nursing – 2016 – Santa Monica College
FMCA Health Coach Certificate - 2021 - Functional Medicine Coaching Academy