Rebecca Crane-Okada, PhD, RN, CNS, AOCN®


Dr. Rebecca Crane-Okada, PhD, RN, CNS, AOCN®, is an advanced oncology certified nurse with over 40 years in practice. She is also a Spiritual Director and a Reiki Master. Her background includes extensive training as well as clinical practice, teaching, and research in the areas of psychosocial care (e.g., care of self, care of other; presence as concept), holistic/integrative nursing, and spirituality. Her personal experience with elder care needs, dementia, and other serious illness has further prepared her to guide others who are navigating such journeys.

Dr. Crane-Okada is committed to integrating the clinical medical needs of those facing life-changing illness such as cancer with the emotional, spiritual, and social aspects. She is a staunch advocate for patients and their families, recognized for her calm, practical, and intuitive care, her being present for others with deep listening, intelligent discernment and tangible support. She approaches her work with openness, genuine interest and caring concern. She encourages and teaches people to be empowered in their health care.
Her work has always included education of oncology nurses and other professionals, placing special emphasis on self-care that integrates the body, mind and spirit. She has researched, published, and presented on many aspects of quality of life after cancer: for example, peer support, mindfulness and dance/movement therapy, patient navigation, and cancer nursing support. The Oncology Nursing Society recognized her with the prestigious Mara Mogensen Flaherty award in 2007 for leadership in psychosocial cancer care.

Dr. Crane-Okada has a lifelong love of learning. Her Bachelor of Science degree in nursing is from Texas Christian University, and her master’s and doctoral degrees in nursing from UCLA. She received certification as a Spiritual Director from the Haden Institute. She has additional advanced training in Jungian psychology, Urban Zen, and Capacitar, a stress and trauma-healing program. She is a member of key professional organizations such as the Oncology Nursing Society (ONS), the American Holistic Nurses Association, the Academy of Integrative and Holistic Medicine, and the American Psychosocial Oncology Society.