Luana Vendramel Santos Weeks, CNS, APRN

Meet Luana Vendramel Santos Weeks, CNS, APRN

Advancing compassionate cancer care through clinical expertise and patient-centered support in Alamogordo

Luana Santos Weeks, MSN, APRN, AGCNS-BC, is a board-certified clinical nurse specialist providing hematology and oncology care at CHRISTUS Health Cancer Center in Alamogordo, New Mexico. With advanced graduate training from East Carolina University and over a decade of clinical experience, she brings a global perspective shaped by hospital, rehabilitation, and international health work. She is dedicated to improving outcomes for patients in Southern New Mexico through education, evidence-based care, and compassionate, community-focused oncology support.

Career at a Glance

• Board-certified Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (ANCC)
• More than 10 years of diverse clinical experience across acute care, ICU, rehab, and hospice settings
• Multilingual: fluent in English, Portuguese, and Spanish
• Published researcher in Globalization and Health on medication safety training
• Extensive international and disaster relief experience with the American Red Cross

Clinical Role and Leadership

As a clinical nurse specialist in oncology at CHRISTUS Health, Luana plays a vital role in strengthening care delivery through evidence-based practice, patient education, and interdisciplinary collaboration. She supports both patients and clinical teams by improving treatment adherence, enhancing safety protocols, and guiding patients through complex cancer care journeys. She provides specialized care for conditions such as:

• Solid tumor cancers
• Hematologic malignancies (e.g., leukemia, lymphoma)
• Treatment-related side effects and symptom management
• Chronic conditions impacting cancer care (diabetes, hypertension)
• Pain and palliative care needs
• Post-treatment recovery and survivorship care
• Preventive care and long-term disease management

What You Can Expect from Care with Luana Santos Weeks

Luana is known for combining clinical precision with a deeply personal approach to patient care. Her philosophy centers on education, empowerment, and partnership, ensuring patients and their families feel informed and supported at every stage. You can expect:

• Clear, compassionate communication tailored to your needs
• Evidence-based treatment planning and care coordination
• Education focused on long-term health and disease management
• Collaborative care alongside a multidisciplinary oncology team
• A strong commitment to safety, quality, and improved outcomes

Advanced Diagnostic and Clinical Care

Luana utilizes advanced clinical training to deliver high-level oncology support, including comprehensive patient assessments, care plan development, and treatment monitoring. Her expertise spans acute and chronic care management, pharmacologic interventions, and quality improvement initiatives such as Six Sigma methodologies. She integrates data-driven decision-making and clinical leadership to enhance outcomes across the cancer care continuum.

Research, Clinical Insight, and Thought Leadership

Luana has contributed to global healthcare improvement through published research focused on medication safety training in international settings. Her work reflects a commitment to applying behavioral science to nursing education and improving patient safety practices worldwide. In addition to her publication, she has supported academic instruction and curriculum development as a graduate assistant, reinforcing her dedication to advancing clinical knowledge and training future healthcare professionals.

Commitment to Public Health and Health Equity

Her career reflects a strong commitment to community service and global health. Through her work with the American Red Cross, she has delivered chronic disease education, supported vulnerable populations, and participated in disaster response efforts following Hurricane Maria. Her international experience and multilingual abilities enable her to provide culturally responsive care and expand access to high-quality healthcare for diverse patient populations.