For Samantha Bruns, LBSW, oncology social worker at the Beaufort Memorial New River Cancer Center, the decision to work with cancer patients was an intensely personal one.
“I started out taking care of my father when he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, and that really spurred me to get involved in caring for oncology patients,” Samantha says. “It inspired me to see everything that he had to fight through during his treatment, and it really gave me that urge to help others.”
Thrown Into the Fire
Samantha’s first experience in medical social work was challenging, to say the least.
“I had an internship with a regional hospital that got my foot in the door,” Samantha says. “They started me off as a social worker in the emergency department, so I responded to a lot of trauma. I quickly realized that I liked the medical field, but I didn’t like the trauma part of it.”
Samantha enjoyed interacting with physicians, nurses and other providers and eventually moved to the hospital’s oncology floor, where she learned that her experience with trauma patients had prepared her well.
“A lot of times, when I’m seeing a patient, they’re at their worst,” she says. “They’ve just heard the worst news — that they have cancer. So of course, they’re in shock. This is a trauma for them, and sometimes, me stepping in can be overwhelming. But down the road, when our relationship starts to click, the thankfulness starts to develop.”
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‘The Perfect Home’ in the Southeast
Born and raised in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Samantha moved to Savannah last year with her fiancée, stepson, her future brother-in-law’s young family and her 9-year-old Pitbull named Zella.
The move was in April, which coincided perfectly with a career fair where Samantha was able to introduce herself to several Beaufort Memorial leaders. A few days later, she received a call about an opening for an oncology social worker in Okatie.
“Being able to have those conversations with different employees really opened my eyes to what a great facility this is,” she says.
A year later, that welcoming spirit still hasn’t disappeared.
“The second I stepped foot into this building, I never once felt like an outsider,” Samantha says. “I’ve stepped into a larger family here at Beaufort Memorial. Whether you’re a patient, a staff member or someone else, you are surrounded by love and understanding.”
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Making an Impact
As a social worker, Samantha specializes in supporting patients who have just received life-altering diagnoses. She compares her role to a “road map” of sorts for people who have just learned they have cancer.
“If you’re driving somewhere new, you don’t always know where you’re going,” she says. “Social work is included in our patient navigation services, so for every patient with cancer, whether it's breast, pancreatic, prostate, you name it, we become that navigation piece for them.”
Navigation services are available at both Beaufort Memorial cancer centers, New River Cancer Center in Okatie and Keyserling Cancer Center in Beaufort. Nurse navigators guide patients through treatments and physical health needs, and Samantha addresses their emotional needs.
“I usually meet them at their medical oncology appointment once any kind of treatment starts,” Samantha says. “A lot of times, patients have big emotions. It's never good to keep emotions bottled up because, eventually, that bottle will open. So, I give them that space to spill what they’re feeling and get some feedback on how they can move forward.”
That’s an invaluable gift for those she serves.
“I’ve always loved helping people, especially when they’re in dire need,” she says.
Creative Inspirations and Emotional Support on Four Legs
Samantha finds solace and inspiration in her downtime, thanks to music, photography and regular walks with Zella.
“Zella was adopted as a puppy and has always been the sweetest soul,” Samantha says. “She has a dazzling and silly personality and brings me joy every day.”
When Zella needs time for her hobbies — cuddling with one of her family members or snuggling under a blanket — Samantha turns to her creative passions.
“I’m always taking pictures on my phone or my camera,” she says. “I’m always humming along to something.”
Samantha grew up in an artistic household. Her father was a drummer and singer in a family band, and during high school and college, she followed in his footsteps, singing and playing the guitar and piano.
“I didn’t really break out of my shell until college time, and that’s when I really learned the power of music,” Samantha says. “I went to a private Christian college, where I studied social work but also the importance of worship music as well. I was involved in a church there, where I was a worship pastor and got to explore being a part of a band and what teamwork really looks like.”
Looking for somewhere to put your skills and passion for service to work? Browse current job openings at Beaufort Memorial.
