Meet the Staff: Alison Ambrose, RN

Alison Ambrose, RN, helps guide Santa Clarita cancer patients through the facets of their diagnosis and treatment.

Alison Ambrose, RN, an oncology nurse navigator with Keck Medicine of USC – Santa Clarita, is the person cancer patients can lean on to guide them through treatment.

She also led the creation of a special cancer recovery program.

What does your job entail?

I support cancer patients through advocacy, education, resource support and guidance, from diagnosis all the way to survivorship.

Thanks to the joint venture between Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital and Keck Medicine, I also now serve as a bridge between the hospital and Keck Medicine’s outpatient clinics.

I answer questions while patients are hospitalized and provide direction about what to expect once they’re discharged and begin outpatient care.

My role may include helping patients schedule an appointment at an imaging center or specialty clinic, or helping them access financial or social programs.

What motivates you?

Preparing for lifesaving treatment, and planning for things like how to pay the bills if time off work is needed, is a lot for patients to process.

I’m passionate about making a difference for them. I see patients relax during our conversations once they realize they don’t have to face their cancer journey alone.

Being from Santa Clarita, I also love giving back to my home community.

What inspired you to create ‘The Journey Forward’ cancer recovery program?

It takes time for cancer patients to heal after finishing treatment. I wanted to ensure patients had the tools to help them rebuild their muscle strength, improve their energy and feel more in control so they could get back to feeling their best.

Cancer recurrence is also a big fear. During the six-week program, we provide physical exercise regimens, survivorship resources and education about follow-up care.

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