A Conversation with Brittany Cornfoot, RN, Reimagine Care
At Reimagine Care, we believe that cancer care doesn’t stop when clinic doors close. Our Virtual Care Center is staffed by oncology-trained clinicians — nurses, medical assistants, and advanced practice providers — who meet patients where they are, every day, in the moments that matter most. This Nurses Month, we’re sharing the perspective of one of those clinicians: Brittany Cornfoot, RN, who has spent more than a decade in oncology and brought that experience into a virtual care setting. In her own words, here’s what that work looks like — and why it matters.
After more than a decade as an oncology nurse, I’ve witnessed the many highs and lows that come with a cancer diagnosis. I’ve educated patients on chemotherapy, walked with families through end-of-life care, and triaged countless symptoms. But no matter what role I was in — whether at the bedside or coordinating care behind the scenes — what always mattered most to me was the human connection.
That’s what led me to Reimagine Care.
Tell me about a recent interaction that stayed with you.
“A recent interaction sticks out the most. Without access to our team, a patient who reached out may have delayed seeking care or ended up in the ER much later. He was ultimately found to have a severe blood clot, and without prompt intervention, the outcome could have been very different.
Experiences like that reinforce how important this work is. I’m incredibly grateful to be in this role and to work alongside a team that’s able to support patients in real time — especially during moments when timely care can make all the difference.”
How does working in the Virtual Care Center compare to clinical work you’ve done before?
“Working in the Virtual Care Center offers a unique and valuable perspective compared to traditional clinical work. While clinical work involves hands-on assessment and direct patient interaction, virtual care relies heavily on communication skills and technology to triage and manage patient symptoms remotely. This approach allows for timely intervention between appointments, providing patients with continuous support without the need for in-person visits.
Although it can be challenging to assess patients without physical exams, the use of technology and detailed symptom reporting helps bridge this gap. Overall, virtual care expands access and improves convenience for patients while maintaining high-quality oncology nursing care.”
Walk me through what it’s like when a Remi alert comes in. What do you do, and what are you thinking?
“When a Remi alert comes in, my first thought is always: what is this patient experiencing right now, and how urgent is it? The alert is often just the starting point — it flags that something may be off, but it’s my job to quickly interpret the context and determine the level of risk.
I start by reviewing the patient’s reported symptoms, their cancer diagnosis, treatment regimen, and any recent history. I’m looking for patterns or red flags — things like fever, uncontrolled pain, changes in baseline symptoms.
From there, I prioritize next steps. If it’s high-risk, I’m moving quickly to contact the patient by phone. During the call, I’m not just checking boxes — I’m assessing how they sound, how symptoms are progressing, and whether they’re able to manage safely at home. At the same time, I’m thinking a few steps ahead: Does this patient need escalation to the provider? Could this turn into an ED visit if we don’t intervene now?
Behind every alert is a person who may be anxious, uncomfortable, or unsure — and I’m always mindful that how quickly and thoughtfully we respond can directly impact both their outcome and their sense of security.”
Has there been a moment where you caught something early — something that might have ended in an ED visit if you hadn’t been there?
“We received a Remi alert from a patient — swollen calf, pain, warmth. The patient started the pathway at 12:37. Our MA was involved by 12:42. I was involved by 12:55. By 1:00 PM, we had orders for a stat ultrasound, and he was on his way to the facility. The patient was positive for a blood clot. We helped him within 22 minutes of our involvement.
You don’t get that at a clinic, ER, or urgent care. The patient was sent home on blood thinners with a follow-up outpatient appointment.”
What do you wish oncology practices understood about what patients need between visits?
“Between visits, patients don’t stop being patients — they’re managing symptoms in real time, often without the reassurance of seeing their care team face-to-face. What oncology practices may underestimate is how much uncertainty and anxiety happens in those in-between moments. A 15–30-minute clinic appointment can’t fully capture how symptoms evolve day to day, or how quickly something manageable can escalate if a patient isn’t sure what to do.
Patients need timely access to guidance, reassurance, and symptom management when it’s happening — not days later. That’s where virtual care plays a critical role. We help bridge that gap, intervene early, and often prevent unnecessary emergency visits or complications.
Ultimately, what patients need most between visits is to feel supported, heard, and not alone in managing their care.”
Happy Nurses Month to Brittany and every member of our Virtual Care Center team.