Baptist Cancer Center Delivers Compassionate Community-Based Care

We recently spoke with Victoria McCurdy, a Lead Nurse Practitioner from Baptist Cancer Center in Memphis, TN. Baptist Cancer Center’s guiding principle is that patients shouldn’t have to travel far to receive quality care and comprehensive support. In our discussion, Victoria shares the importance of financial navigation and why she refuses to give up when advocating for her patients.

What is your position at Baptist Cancer Center and what is most rewarding about your job?

I’m a lead nurse practitioner. I manage physician nurses, nurse navigators and other nurse practitioners in medical oncology. The most rewarding part of my job is helping patients and removing their biggest barriers. That’s the thing that keeps me motivated and happy—making sure that we’re taking great care of our patients.

Why did you choose to work in healthcare?

I always wanted to be nurse. My aunt was a home health nurse and I saw the care she provided and the impact she had. It wasn’t just work to her.

What is the mission of Baptist Cancer Center and how do you implement it into your daily practice?

Our mission is to provide care close to home, so patients don’t have to travel far to get their treatment. We serve many rural areas and work hard to ensure we have a great team in these remote spots.

How has the PAN Foundation impacted your patients?

Oral cancer medications are expensive, so we look for patient assistance daily. With FundFinder, it’s wonderful that all the information about funding availability is in one place. Now we don’t have to go hunt and find what funds are open at other charitable foundations. It makes it so much easier for all the nurses and patients to get what they need. We use FundFinder constantly—it’s very helpful.

What’s the most interesting thing about you that’s not on your resume?

My passion for advocacy comes from an early experience I had working at a marina resort. The business owner’s motto was “No is never an acceptable answer.” I’ve truly embraced that in my role as my healthcare worker. Regardless of the patient’s barrier, no is not an acceptable answer when it comes to the treatments they need. We will always find a way to help.