September 8-13, 2013
- at Pearlstone Center in Reisterstown, Maryland
Download 2013 Application Apply by June 1!
Space limited to 20 participants. We encourage you to apply early. Have questions? Call Ali at 202.483.8600.
Smith Center's 5th Annual Training in Integrative Cancer Care Navigation
Our training is a unique blend of didactic and experiential sessions that provide a comprehensive yet deep learning experience in the practice of integrative cancer care navigation. The goal of our training is to provide each participant with the knowledge, resources and tools to establish an integrative navigation practice that offers each client individualized, holistic support throughout the entire cancer experience, from screening and diagnosis through treatment, recovery, survivorship, and end-of-life.
What Our Training Offers:
- Rich, creative didactic and experiential instruction in navigation and integrative techniques, offered in a quiet, supportive setting over 4 1/2 days
- Self-paced, pre-training learning modules and teleconference seminars
- A faculty of nationally and internationally recognized experts in oncology and integrative cancer care with a student/faculty ratio of 2:1
- Resources for establishing an integrative navigation practice, including books, extensive educational literature and information on integrative therapies
- Ongoing support through educational teleconferences and continued access to faculty
- Certificates of Completion
Who Should Attend
Since 2009, we have trained oncology nurses, social workers, physicians, integrative practitioners and lay navigators who wish to offer navigation in a more supportive and comprehensive way. They represent a variety of backgrounds and serve diverse populations in both urban and rural settings around the country. New and experienced navigators are encouraged to attend.
“The Smith Center Navigation Training should become the gold standard for cancer navigators: from Day One the program has exceeded my expectations.”
– Previous Participant
Following the Training, Participants Are Able To:
- Define cancer navigation and the role of navigators at every step of the cancer journey
- Effectively communicate with and assist diverse and medically underserved patients and caregivers through the entire cancer continuum
- Describe integrative cancer care and basic integrative cancer therapies
- Apply basic, evidence-based integrative mind-body therapies with clients
- Assist patients in identifying and accessing medical and integrative care
- Effectively educate others about integrative cancer care navigation
- Identify the components needed to build an effective integrative navigation practice
- Enhance their organization's ability to meet the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer patient navigation standards
Our training is based on Smith Center's Integrative Cancer Care Model, used successfully in both hospital and community settings.
Training Content and Structure
- Pre-Training Seminars
- We offer two self-directed learning modules that include reading assignments and participation in teleconferences with fellow participants prior to our on-site training.
- On-Site Training
- Participants gather at our retreat facility for 4 1/2 days of intensive didactic and experiential sessions in a relaxed, intimate atmosphere conducive to learning.
Course Topics and Experiential Sessions Include:Client Assessment, Stress Reduction Techniques, Survivorship Issues,The Art of Healing, Spiritual Support, Nutrition, Yoga, Application of Complementary Modalities, Expressive Techniques, Cultural Differences, Building Trust, Difficult Conversations, Client Resources, Education and Outreach in Navigation,Planning Your Integrative Practice, & Communication Skills Each day offers time for questions and group discussion, and there is ample opportunity to practice learned skills and seek individual assistance. |
“The integrative part of the training was incredibly useful. It covered what other patient navigation models don’t.”
– Previous Participant
Our Faculty
The navigation training is co-led by:
Carole O’Toole, MS, Training Facilitator, is Director of Smith Center’s hospital and community-based patient navigation programs, and was instrumental in the development of their integrative navigation model. She was trained as a Cancer Guide through the Center for Mind Body Medicine, founded a private cancer coaching practice, and served as a navigator at a Washington, DC area hospital. Ms. O’Toole has been involved with cancer navigation for 15 years, is the author of two books on integrative cancer care, and has chaired the DC Cancer Consortium Workgroup on Patient Navigation Training and Education.
Laura Pole, RN, MSN, OCNS, Training Facilitator, is an Oncology Clinical Nurse Specialist and head chef for Smith Center retreats. Ms. Pole is also a consultant and educator in palliative care for the Palliative Care Partnership of the Roanoke Valley and the Virginia POST Collaborative, former nurse educator for the Virginia Association of Hospices, and past president of the Southwest Virginia Pain Initiative. She was trained as a Cancer Guide. Ms. Pole has had numerous faculty and Board appointments, and is the recipient of an Outstanding Nurses of America award.
Together, Ms. O’Toole and Ms. Pole bring more than 40 years of experience in navigation, integrative cancer care, clinical training and teaching expertise to this training. A faculty comprised of seasoned integrative practitioners, cancer coaches, cancer survivors, distinguished physicians, clinical health professionals, and national leaders in cancer care joins them.
Our Faculty Includes:
- Kavita Avula, PsyD, Licensed Clinical Psychologist
- Ted Billings, LCSW, Psychotherapist
- Greg Finch, DMin, MDiv, MTS, BEd, former Executive Director of the Community of Reconciliation at Washington National Cathedral and founder of the consulting firm Wild Geese Among Us in Washington, DC
- Hunter Groninger, MD, Staff Clinician, Pain and Palliative Care Service, National Institute of Health
- Kymberly Sevilla, AHFP, E-RYT, Yoga and Exercise Specialist
- Marion Werner, MEd, Reiki Master/Teacher and Certified Healing Touch Practitioner
- Karen Baer, MA, ATR-BC, Art Therapist
“This training was meticulously organized—top-notch leaders, presenters, and participants. In addition to giving us outstanding guidance and a wealth of knowledge, you have fostered ongoing supportive relationships that will help us both personally and with those we ultimately serve.”
– Previous Participant
Certificate of Completion:
All participants will be awarded a certificate of Completion for Training in Integrative Cancer Care Navigation provided they successfuly complete all Pre-Conference Self-Directed Learning Modules, attend the entire on-site training, and turn in completed evaluations.
Continuing Education:
Last year, Smith Center offered over 30 hours of continuing education credits for the training. Smith Center is a National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC) Approved Continuing Education Provider (#6327) and may offer NBCC approved clock hours for events and programs that meet NBCC requirements. Continuing education for NBCC is only available for on-site training.
Smith Center will be applying for approval for nursing contact hours at the September 2013 Training. Call Carole at 202.483.8600 for additional information.
Our Training Facility
This year's training is offered at the Pearlstone Center, a residential retreat facility located approximately 30 minutes from Baltimore, MD. Pearlstone is located in an immersive, natural setting that is nourishing for body, mind and soul. The facility embodies Pearlstone's commitment to sustainable practices, and boasts 4 acres of organically grown produce that is available in their daily menu, a geothermal heat pump to decrease energy consumption, and energy efficient lighting, recycling, and composting.
Applying to Our Training
There are two general categories of applicants for our training:
- Licensed or License-Pending Professionals: Includes health care and/or mental health professionals, such as physicians, nurses, social workers, psychotherapists, and integrative healthcare professionals.
- Non-licensed Individuals: Includes both new and experienced navigators.
Training Cost
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The registration fee for the 4 1/2 day training is as follows:
- Licensed or License Pending Professionals: $1,600
- Non-licensed Individuals: $1,200
The registration fee includes all training materials and resources for your practice (books, educational literature, reference manuals, DVDs, and CDs).
Please be aware that the actual cost to provide the training is $4,800 per person. Everyone's attendance is subsidized through grants and contributions.
Application and Registration Process
The application is a two-step process. An application form must be completed and submitted to Smith Center by June 1, 2013. This is followed by a telephone interview. To inquire about applying after this deadline has passed, please call us at 202.483.8600.
We are looking for candidates who will take the information and skills learned at the training and either apply them to their existing navigation program, expanding their practice to offer holistic care, or establish a new integrative navigation practice in their community.
Space is limited in this program to 30 attendees. We generally receive more applications than we can accommodate. We encourage you to submit your application as early as possible.
We will be conducting our telephone interviews as we receive applications.
Notification of Acceptance: You will be notified of your acceptance as soon as possible following your telephone interview.
Registration and Payment Schedule: Once you have been accepted for the training, you will be asked to complete a registration form that will need to be returned to Smith Center along with a minimum payment equal to half of your total training costs in order to secure your space. Full payment is due to Smith Center no later than August 1.
Cancellation Policy: Registered students will receive a full refund for the training if they notify Smith Center by July 1. Students who withdraw from the training between July 1 and July 31 will have half of their deposit returned. No refunds will be made to students after August 1.
Accommodations and Travel
The cost of Pearlstone Accommodations are as follows:
- $695 + tax for a single room with 2 queen beds and a private bath
- $510 + tax for a shared room with 2 queen beds and a private bath
(Shared rooms are for 2 people only and availability of shared rooms is limited.)
Accommodation fees include room costs and all meals from Sunday evening through Friday lunch. Please do not contact Pearlstone to make your reservations. To reserve a room, please call Ali Decker at 202.483.8600 or by emailing ali@smithcenter.org.
Please note: Individual travel arrangements and costs are your responsibility, as are your accommodation costs, regardless of any scholarship assistance you may receive. As a non-profit organization, Smith Center cannot provide financial assistance for accommodations. Scholarships can only be applied to actual training costs.
Scholarship Assistance
Deadline for scholarship application is June 15. Scholarship priority will be given to applications received before that date.
Smith Center has very limited support for scholarships. Thus, we ask that if you are considering scholarship assistance that you apply first to your institution/employer before applying to Smith Center.
Requests for scholarships generally exceed our resources. Please help us to assist the greatest number of participants by considering carefully whether scholarship support is necessary for your participation.
To request a scholarship application, please contact Carole O'Toole at at carole@smithcenter.org or 202.483.8600.
