The art of oncology nursing: An emotional balance of science, education and support
How do you do it? Isn't it depressing? These are the questions people typically ask oncology nurses. But according to Colleen Carey, RN, BSN, OCN, caring for an oncology patient is one of the most beautiful experiences a nurse can have.
"All oncology nurses makes a difference in the lives of their patients, and all patients make a difference in the lives of the nurses who care for them," says Carey, director of the Fox Chase Virtua Health (FCVH) Breast Care Program.
Extremely rewarding
While Carey admits that her job can be emotionally taxing at times, it is also extremely rewarding. "It's only natural that we become very close to our patients and their families, as we support them through challenging times," she explains. "But, in turn, our patients teach us the meaning of strength, courage and hope. As nurses, we gain far more from our patients."
Natalie Minnix, RN, OCN, clinical care manager of the oncology unit at Virtua Memorial Hospital Burlington County, agrees: "To me, the key to happiness is to forget yourself and give yourself to others, and that is exactly what happens when you work with oncology patients."
A mix of skills
Putting oncology nursing into motion requires a mix of practical, scientific and emotional know how. For nurses providing care as part of the FCVH Cancer Program, this involves staying at the forefront of new technologies and treatments. It involves continuous education and a dedication to patient care. It requires the ability to offer patients comfort, support and comprehensive health care. And all of this needs to be provided day in and day out with a smile, a kind word, a warm touch.
Each day, Deborah Larsen, RN, c, OCN, begins her nursing shift by visiting every patient's room on the oncology unit at Virtua West Jersey Hospital Voorhees. She talks to her patients about how they are feeling, assesses their needs and validates their concerns. She gives them their medications, monitors the effects of their treatment and teaches them and their families about this multi-faceted disease.
A teaching role
"Teaching patients to understand their diagnosis and to find ways to cope is critical to oncology nursing," says Larsen. "We teach patients everything — from caring for a surgical site to recommending foods that are tolerable during chemotherapy and suggesting places to purchase a scarf or wig."
Another integral part of oncology nursing is to help patients manage pain. "We work closely with our physicians to develop a highly individualized pain-management program for each of our patients," explains Minnix. "Everyone has a right to effective pain management, and it takes a broad knowledge of different medications and types of cancer to do this."
Support
Support for oncology patients goes beyond the hospital. The Fox Chase Virtua Health Cancer Program provides a wide range of support and education programs for patients and families. Diagnostic and treatment programs range from advanced radiology services such as PET scans to leading-edge treatments such as IMRT and chemoemboliztion. There's access to a range of national and regional clinical trials, a second-opinion service, a family risk assessment program, and a breast health program. And, patients benefit from a truly caring ream of oncology professionals who are closely involved with each patient.
"We really bond with our patients," says Larsen. "And we rejoice in the frequent visits from survivors."