In just a few short years, nurse practitioner Nicolette McDonnell, NP, has become the indispensable go-to person for breast cancer patients at the Southern New Hampshire Medical Center, a clinical affiliate of Massachusetts General Hospital.
“Since she came on board, she has made such an incredible difference,” says Suzanne Coopey, MD, breast surgical oncologist at the center. “I was working as the only breast surgeon at the center three days a week when she was hired two and a half years ago to help with the growing program. Nicolette sees new patients independently and walks them through every step of a new cancer diagnosis from the biopsy process, pathology results, genetic testing, breast MRI and fertility consultations. You name it and she does it.”
Despite the multiple responsibilities she juggles daily, Nicolette always makes herself available to speak to patients when they call, connect with referring providers and answer questions from the nursing staff. In addition to patient care, Nicolette helps present newly diagnosed breast cancer patients to the center’s tumor board. She is also actively involved in multiple committees, such as the breast cancer screening workgroup and the patient education workgroup.
“Patients love her,” adds Dr. Coopey. “She is an amazing, compassionate person and a fantastic clinician. I feel grateful every day that I get to work with her.”
