Shawna Klima, R.N., understands that a patient can be overwhelmed with information during a stressful time. But in her new position at Central Kansas Breast & Surgery Clinic, her goal is to alleviate some of that stress.

          Klima is the new breast-health patient navigator at the clinic and shares office space with Ana Refinetti, M.D. They recently moved from St. Rose to their new location, 3520 Lakin.

          Dr. Refinetti is a general surgeon who has completed a fellowship in breast surgery, specializing in both benign and malignant diseases and conditions. Klima’s main responsibilities include coordinating patient care.

          “My job is to ensure each patient knows what is happening at all times,” Klima said. “I schedule their follow-up appointments and secure prior approval from insurance companies.

“This helps alleviate at least some of the stress,” she elaborated. “I want to be their direct line to anything they need from Dr. Refinetti, other specialists and me.”

Klima noted that most breast conditions are benign and encourages anyone – women and men - to seek advice about pain, lumps or anything else out of the ordinary.

“If cancer is diagnosed,” Klima said, “we will help the patient through every step – from diagnosis through survivorship. If they walk in with a positive mammogram, they will walk out with all the information they need about what will happen and when it will happen.

“I tell patients multiple times to please call me with any questions,” she added. “I want to be their go-to person for getting the help they need.”

Klima’s background includes nursing positions at the former Central Kansas Medical Center.

She didn’t work outside the home for several years, while her children were younger. Klima earned a registered nursing degree at Barton Community College last year; she became a licensed practical nurse earlier at North Central Kansas Technical School in Beloit.

          Originally from Cloud County, Klima has lived in Barton County for a decade. She and her husband, J D, have three children. Hunter is 9 and the twins, Alli and Broc are 6.

          Dr. Refinetti said Klima is a great resource for the clinic.

          “Shawna is the face of our clinic,” the surgeon said. “If you call her, she will get back with you soon – not three or four days from now.

          “She is the perfect person for this job,” Dr. Refinetti continued. “She has a calming influence and it is contagious. If you are dealing with cancer, you are stressed and scared. But Shawna builds a good rapport with patients who count on her for reassurance.”

          The breast and surgery clinic is part of Centura Health, which connects individuals and families across western Kansas and Colorado with more than 6,000 physicians, 15 hospitals, seven senior-living communities, physician practices and clinics, and home-care and hospice services.