Mark Hebert, NP - Beacon Medical Group Oncology South Bend

About Haley Haley Bywaters knew at an early age that she wanted to make a difference in people’s lives. Her inspiration came from her mother who was a nurse in a neonatal intensive care unit. “I watched how thankful parents were for everything she did to help their baby,” Haley says. Haley’s sister is also a nurse in a NICU. Haley chose to be an oncology nurse practitioner because she felt she could make an impact on patients’ lives. She provides treatment, symptom management and surveillance to help patients through their cancer journey. “Oncology patients are going through some of the hardest times in their life,” she says. “I want to help make their experience the best that it can be.” A strong desire to do what’s best for patients has guided Haley throughout her clinical career. She has provided patient care at Memorial Hospital since her clinical internship in 2017. Her approach is always to serve with compassion and be an advocate for patients. “I treat patients the way I would want my family treated,” she says. “I want patients to be able to decide how they want to treat their disease.” Like her mother, Haley is a lifelong learner. “I will forever be doing ‘homework,’” she says. “As a medical professional, it is our responsibility to know the best treatment options for our patients. Although I won’t be in school, I will continue to learn new things throughout my career.” Haley also learns from patients by listening to patients as they navigate through treatment. “Although patients may have the same diagnosis, they experience it differently and tolerate it in different ways,” she says. Patients also have taught Haley to enjoy life as much as possible because you never know what life can bring you. In Her Own Words Who is or was the most influential person/role model in your life? My mother was my most influential person because she taught me to be the best person that I can be. What was your first job growing up? What do you remember about it? A cook at Mancino’s/Pitt Stop in Granger. I remember smelling like fried food every time I left work. What is your favorite food? Movie? My favorite food is sushi or pizza. My favorite movie is ever changing. What are you passionate about? My friends and family. I would not be where I am today without them, and they are my rock.

I have been working in Oncology since 2005 and enjoy the relationships I build with patients and families. I have a passion for managing symptoms and treatment side effects to improve quality of life while my patients fight cancer. Care is tailored to each patient. I see my patients as complex individuals with full lives outside of our offices. Cancer does not define them. Having also worked with hospice for over 5 years, I am a strong advocate for end of life care and planning. Caring for someone in their final days is an honor. Being able to help make their transition from this world as peaceful as possible for everyone is incredibly rewarding. Outside of work I enjoy gardening, spending time with friends and family, watching the Chicago Cubs, and snuggling with my rescue dogs. I am a member of the nursing honor society Sigma Theta Tau, in addition to the Coalition of Advanced Practice Nurses of Indiana, the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, and the American Society of Clinical Oncology.