Rachel Hinojosa Bowler is an oncology nurse navigator at Valley View’s CalawayᐧYoung Cancer Center and the Breast Center.
Rachel shares the nurse navigator role with Kristin Johnston, MSN, APRN, OCN. Together, the two work with a multidisciplinary team composed of oncology, speech therapy, a social worker, integrative therapies and more, for each patient they serve.
As “navigator” implies, in her role Rachel helps lead patients through cancer survivorship, guiding individuals from diagnosis through every step of the treatment journey.
“In my work it’s a privilege to be able to work intimately with a patient and get them started on their healing path. Treatment plans can vary for our patients and having a new cancer diagnosis can be very overwhelming,” says Rachel. “Being part of a larger healthcare team we’re able to give each patient unique guidance and direction.”
Rachel first earned a bachelor’s in sociology at the University of California, Santa Barbara, and worked in sales and marketing for several years. Then, responding to a lifelong tug toward a career in nursing and healthcare, she attended nursing school at California State University, Northridge, where she graduated at the top of her class.
When Rachel isn’t working, you will likely find her enjoying all of Colorado’s seasons and the recreational opportunities in each, including mountain biking, camping, hiking and skiing. She and fiancé Paul, who owns a business in the interior design industry, have two fur babies: Shih-Tzu Rocky and Golden-Doodle Stanley.