Cedars-Sinai Blog
Faces of Cedars-Sinai: Elizabeth Sobel, Breast Cancer Nurse Navigator
Registered nurse Elizabeth Sobel is a Nurse Navigator in the Breast Cancer Program at Cedars-Sinai's Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute. She joined the hospital in February and has quickly become an important source of support for the patients in her care. We talked with her about work, her love of long walks, and the joy of finding the perfect kitchen gadget.
Q: What do Nurse Navigators do in the Breast Cancer Program?
Elizabeth: I help women who are having surgery navigate their treatment plan as smoothly as possible. I help make appointments and arrange consultations. I tell them about clinical trials and what to expect after surgery or other treatments. Giving women hope is probably the biggest part of my job. Many are worried when I first meet them. As a nurse, I know they're going to receive great treatment here. We do everything in our power to give them the best care so they can be survivors.
"I think about my patients as I walk—who do I need to touch base with, and what do we need to tackle together?"
Q: How did you get your start?
Elizabeth: I've always wanted to be a nurse. Once my kids went to college, I decided to pursue that passion. After nursing school, I joined the Cecilia Gonzalez De La Hoya Cancer Center at White Memorial Medical Center. I started as an infusion nurse, then worked in radiation oncology and the screening department. We did a lot of free screenings in the community—about 4,000 women in one year.
That experience enabled me to see the whole trajectory of cancer care, from community outreach to supporting women during treatment and beyond. I worked in all those areas and thought, 'Yes, I can do this.' Ultimately, I became the De La Hoya Cancer Center's Clinic Coordinator. Now I have a similar role at Cedars-Sinai.
Q: Rumor has it you walk to work, even though it's far away. Why not drive?
Elizabeth: I do drive sometimes, but I prefer to walk because I love the fresh air. It takes about an hour from Miracle Mile, where I live. In the morning, it's nice and cool when I leave my house. I think about my patients as I walk—who do I need to touch base with, and what do we need to tackle together? And at the end of a long day, I look forward to a good walk. As Nurse Navigators, we have a daily list of things to do for the women in our care. A long walk gives me a chance to reflect on all that.
Q: You describe yourself as "touchy-feely." How so?
Elizabeth: I feel a lot of empathy and compassion. I'm that nurse who holds a patient's hand and just listens. When I was in nursing school, we would talk about the departments we wanted to join. I remember telling my friends that the emergency department might be interesting because there's so much going on. They said, 'Liz, the ED is too fast-paced. You love to talk with people, and you won't have the time!'
They were right. Oncology nurses do get to spend more time with patients, and that's perfect for me. Cedars-Sinai has so much to offer them, like cutting-edge research and clinical trials, so there's plenty for me to talk to these women about.
Q: How do you provide practical support for patients dealing with a tough diagnosis?
Elizabeth: I make myself available by phone and email for any questions. I don't want people to be at home worrying about something. If someone leaves me a voicemail, I'll call them back the same day. It's important to show them that they're not alone. I get questions related to surgery. Sometimes, a woman has concerns she wants to share with me before or after the procedure. Or she may wonder if she'll see the surgeon again for a follow-up or see her oncologist. I tell patients what to expect in chemotherapy and radiation therapy. I'll even help them fill out their disability forms.
"Whatever you say and wherever you go, radiate kindness."
Q: How do you take care of yourself in your free time?
Elizabeth: I love to cook! I find it relaxing. This works out well in our house, because my husband indulges me when I try new recipes. I'm guilty of collecting kitchen gadgets and appliances. I use them all, though we're running out of shelf and drawer space to store them!
We've also added a place setting of sorts to family dinners, because I just became a grandma to a beautiful baby girl. I'm enjoying the grandparent world.
Q: How did you get your start?
Elizabeth: I've always wanted to be a nurse. Once my kids went to college, I decided to pursue that passion. After nursing school, I joined the Cecilia Gonzalez De La Hoya Cancer Center at White Memorial Medical Center. I started as an infusion nurse, then worked in radiation oncology and the screening department. We did a lot of free screenings in the community—about 4,000 women in one year.
That experience enabled me to see the whole trajectory of cancer care, from community outreach to supporting women during treatment and beyond. I worked in all those areas and thought, 'Yes, I can do this.' Ultimately, I became the De La Hoya Cancer Center's Clinic Coordinator. Now I have a similar role at Cedars-Sinai.
Q: What are your "words to live by"?
Elizabeth: 'Work hard and be humble, thoughtful, and kind.' I'm big on kindness. Whatever you say and wherever you go, radiate kindness.
