A Guide to End of Life: Social Worker’s Perspective

A Guide to End of Life: Social Worker’s Perspective
With Jennifer Christensen, LCSW, Jessica Ernest, LCSW and Ayaka Nakaj, LCSW, CCM
Recorded on 10/18/2022

Oncology social workers at Cedars-Sinai Cancer Patient and Family program discuss psychosocial aspects of end-of life care and planning including navigating decision-making process around when to stop cancer treatment and how to have those challenging conversations with medical teams and loved ones. Presenters touch on the principles of Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy, which explores individuals’ values and sense of meaning in order to help them maintain a sense of hope and purpose, improve their quality of life, and decrease despair in the setting of a life-threatening illness.

Jennifer Christensen is originally from South Jordan, Utah. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Brigham Young University, and a Master of Science in Social Work from Columbia University. Jennifer joined the Cedars-Sinai Cancer Patient and Family Support Program as a clinical social worker in 2020, and provides services to address the psychological, social, emotional, and practical needs of cancer patients and families as they cope with the complexities of cancer care. Jennifer has been working specifically in oncology for 4+ years, working primarily with individuals diagnosed with breast, head and neck, and GI cancers, as well as those enrolled in clinical trials.

Ayaka Nakaji is a licensed clinical social worker with a decade of practice in diverse settings including community mental health, case management and medical social work. Ayaka currently serves as an oncology care coordinator at Cedars-Sinai Cancer and helps patients and family navigate complex health care landscape. She believes that health care is a right, and passionate about improving access to quality oncology care including end-of-life care and options.

Jessica Ernest is originally from a suburb of San Diego, CA. Jessica values the skills and expertise she developed in the areas of trauma and surgical intensive care during her 7-year tenure at Jacobi. Jessica joined Cedars-Sinai Cancer Beverly Hills as a clinical social worker in 2017. For over 5 years, Jessica has been providing psychotherapeutic and resource management support to cancer patients and families as they cope with the complexities of cancer care. Jessica has a passion for assisting individuals and families navigate advanced care planning and end of life issues.
• • • • • • •

About Cancer Support Community Los Angeles: Cancer Support Community Los Angeles (CSCLA) provides services - at no cost - to ensure that all people impacted by cancer are empowered by knowledge, strengthened by action, & sustained by community.

For more information about CSCLA, call 310-314-2555 or visit cancersupportla.org

• • • • • • •

Disclaimer: Reference in this program to any specific commercial product, process, or service, or the use of any trade, firm or corporation name is for the information and convenience of the recipient, and does not constitute endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the Cancer Support Community.