Caring For Those With Cancer: Meet Natalie Leighty
Caring For Those With Cancer: Meet Natalie Leighty
In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we want to highlight the caring, compassionate team that cares for our patients in the most vulnerable times. Meet Natalie Leighty, a radiation therapy clinic nurse with Baptist.
Natalie follows cancer patients throughout their treatment journey. She enjoys building rapport with those she serves and considers patient education and follow-up important aspects of her role.
“In my opinion, the most essential function of what I do is educating the patient and their family members,” Natalie said. “I take time to educate the patient on the effects of their treatment, as I feel this helps minimize anxiety and increases their active participation in their health.”
Natalie loves her team and being a nurse at Baptist. She relates to the welcoming atmosphere and says how team members across the organization work together towards a common goal.
“The Baptist culture aligns with my personal morals, values and ethics,” Natalie said. “I continuously see Baptist improving the local community, and that is something I’m passionate about as well.”
Natalie enjoys working collaboratively with the medical oncology staff and patient navigators. She knows that the team of multidisciplinary experts contributes to a more successful outcome for patients and allows everyone to provide input. Ultimately this enhances the implementation of each patient’s health journey.
She takes pride in her work and is especially proud of the opportunity she had recently to participate in the survivorship committee team. Through that role, Natalie learned a lot more about the programs Baptist offers to its patients and community members.
A common misconception about working in oncology is that it is always sad.
“I know many people think the work in the oncology field is continually sad, and I get questioned about how hard it must be,” Natalie said. “But it’s incredibly rewarding being in this field and helping patients through the scariest times of their lives. Patients can choose from many facilities when they are diagnosed. It’s an honor and privilege that patients choose us for their care and decide they want us to be a part of their cancer journey.”
Natalie shared that oncology wasn’t in her initial plans for her nursing career. She was unexpectedly asked to fill in for a radiation clinic nurse and then found herself very interested in the position. Now, 13 years later, she loves caring for patients who are fighting cancer.
“I strive to be better every day,” Natalie said. “The Baptist values remind me of that and why my role is vital. They instill in us to serve the community and provide excellent care and compassion to those who enter our practice.”
When Natalie isn’t at work, she enjoys spending time with her family and going to spin class. One of her favorite quotes is by Mac Anderson, who said, “You have been given this new day; use it for good, for what you do today is important.”
Natalie, thank you for caring so compassionately for our patients and their loved ones and for sharing your insights with us.
Learn more about Baptist Cancer Institute and breast cancer screening and prevention.
Join our team of caregivers, like Natalie.
