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At the 2020 CURE® Educated Patient Breast Cancer Summit, oncology nurse Patricia Jakel had the chance to discuss the types of questions patients should be asking their care team.
 

Asking the Right Questions as a Patient With Breast Cancer

Kaifan Zhao, AGACNP-BC, came to the United States as a high school exchange student from China. When he was 17 years old, he found himself unexpectedly in the hospital. He had a sore throat but no knowledge of the health care system. Kaifan’s understanding was that in China you could get antibiotics anywhere. He did not know what primary care or urgent care medicine was, and he had no resources to turn to. This early experience for Kaifan made him realize that many immigrants have no clue how to navigate the U.S. health care system.

After the hospital visit for his sore throat, Kaifan received multiple bills that were almost impossible for his family to pay. He received separate bills for the emergency room, emergency room doctor and the hospital. This was eye-opening for Kaifan. After experiencing life through the lens of an immigrant, Kaifan decided to dedicate himself to providing holistic and inclusive care for patients. 

Kaifan has worked at City of Hope for seven years as a clinical supportive care nurse practitioner. Throughout his time in supportive medicine, Kaifan has seen the significant need to serve the immigrant population, especially in supportive and palliative medicine. Kaifan recruited another Mandarin/Cantonese nurse practitioner to serve as the exclusive palliative pain management provider for this population.

Kaifan recalled that although he had many Chinese-speaking colleagues, no one was taking a stand to advocate and serve this population. Having had such a tumultuous experience navigating the health care system as a teenager, Kaifan felt called to make a difference for Mandarin- and Cantonese-speaking patients. He was uniquely positioned with the skills and knowledge to make a difference.

According to Kaifan, most Asian patients are stoic and will endure pain silently during their cancer treatments, but they do not know how to utilize proper resources. Despite use of translators, many patients still do not have a full understanding of their diagnoses or treatment plans. Kaifan explains that there is no exclusive word-for-word translation for “supportive medicine” in the Chinese language. The word “palliative” can connote conniving toward or promoting death. He feels that translators are not equipped with the medical understanding to provide context around the translation. In essence they can translate word for word; but according to Kaifan, the message has to be trans-created. If patients do not comprehend the message, what is the point?

“Don’t aspire to make a living. Let’s aspire to make a difference in the Mandarin/Cantonese-speaking community.” —Kaifan Zhao, AGACNP-BC, palliative care nurse practitioner at City of Hope

Kaifan got right to work in 2017 when he joined City of Hope. At that time, the supportive medicine program consisted of five doctors and three nurse practitioners. The program has grown to more than 20 clinicians. Kaifan recognizes that greater cognizance of supportive medicine, quality of life and pain management are necessary not just for patients, but also for clinicians. Educating and promoting supportive medicine to other providers is a win-win for providers and patients. 

Kaifan conducted a spot check survey at local Chinese grocery stores. He wanted to know what the average understanding of supportive and palliative care was in the Mandarin and Cantonese populations. The survey confirmed his suspicion that most of the individuals had little to no understanding of what supportive medicine was and associated it only with end-of-life care. Kaifan did all of this on his own time because he felt motivated to help this population that was so near and dear to his heart.

Subsequently, Kaifan created a nurse-led supportive/palliative care clinic at City of Hope for the marginalized Mandarin- and Cantonese-speaking community. The clinic has two primary objectives: Develop and provide community education and resources for Mandarin and Cantonese speakers about integrating supportive and palliative care into their cancer care, and launch and pilot test a supportive care clinic for Mandarin and Cantonese speakers that could be scaled up and disseminated to other areas. Kaifan recognized the urgent need to support this vulnerable population. He recalled a Mandarin-speaking patient from Taiwan who was very adherent to his care and never had issues with following instructions. One day the patient did not show up for an appointment, which made Kaifan curious, so he looked through his chart. He saw that the patient had missed all of his recent appointments. Kaifan called one of the patient’s relatives and found out that the patient had passed away the week prior. The patient was socioeconomically disadvantaged and lived alone. It was determined that he had a fall in his home and was discovered a week later.

Many immigrants live alone. Kaifan initiated referrals to a vetted home-based palliative program as a way to monitor patients he considers high risk. This provides wellness checks for these patients and Kaifan can monitor their safety. He knows that a lot can happen between appointments and wants to be sure his patients are safe.

Kaifan has a profound understanding of immigrant life in the United States. When he was a nursing student, Kaifan’s grandfather had advanced Parkinson’s disease and was in the intensive care unit at a small community hospital. The medical team was deciding whether to do a tracheostomy for him. Kaifan’s family had no guidance on how to make this decision, resulting in his grandfather being in pain from the tracheostomy. There was no palliative care involvement at that time. Kaifan’s family regretted the decision. In the midst of all this, Kaifan had to serve as the counselor, social worker, navigator, translator and everything in between. Kaifan cannot help but think that if they had a supportive medicine program like the clinic he has created, it would have made an enormous difference for his family.

Kaifan Zhao, a palliative care nurse practitioner at City of Hope, has dedicated his career to improving healthcare access for Mandarin- and Cantonese-speaking immigrants. His personal experiences navigating the U.S. healthcare system as an immigrant inspired him to address the unique challenges faced by this population, particularly in supportive and palliative care. Zhao established a nurse-led clinic to educate and provide resources for these communities, emphasizing the importance of culturally sensitive care. His efforts aim to enhance understanding and utilization of supportive medicine, ultimately improving patient outcomes and quality of life.

“Don’t aspire to make a living. Let’s aspire to make a difference in the Mandarin/Cantonese-speaking community.” 

Conference

Aspiring to Make a Difference for Immigrants

Reflecting upon my relationship with Jill over the past 25 years, I am in awe of all she has accomplished. I had moved from being an inpatient clinical nurse specialist to the outpatient world. At about the same time, Jill Reese, M.S., APRN, AGCNS-BC, OCN, had moved from a top-tier outpatient center to our small local oncology office, and I was impressed with her knowledge.

As Jill and I became more involved in our local Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) chapter, we continued to share best practices and worked diligently to make the 40-year-old chapter the excellent source of information and networking it is today. For example, Jill attends the annual ONS Congress and meets with chapter leaders from all over the country. She always brings back fresh ideas on how to make our chapter better.

When Jill decided to return to school to become an advanced practitioner, she sought my counsel. Going back to school after many years is never easy, but Jill did so even though she was raising three young children. Her passion for delivering the highest level of oncology care to patients is top-notch.

Jill works in a rural cancer center where she is the only advanced practitioner and there is only one medical oncologist. The center’s infusion nurses are new to oncology. Jill is sensitive to the nurse’s emotions and steps in whenever needed. Jill is a resource for them and a huge support system. She has walked in their shoes and understands how challenging the role can be. Being a mentor to the infusion nurses and seeing them grow is magical. If Jill is speaking with a patient in the treatment room regarding symptom management, she always asks the patient’s infusion nurse to come along, so not only do they hear the plan but they also observe and hear the interactions with the patient and family. From kind words to holding a patient’s hand to sitting on a stool at the patient’s eye level and listening to their needs and concerns, these small gestures make a difference to patients.

Even though they are at a small rural cancer center, patients deserve the quality cancer care that they would receive in an academic setting. For practitioners, staying up to date on current treatments and how to manage side effects is imperative. Attending education programs and conferences, along with taking time to research on our own, is important. After attending national conferences, Jill always shares what she has learned.

Jill led our local ONS chapter as president for multiple years and has served on the board for over a decade. When the president-elect had family issues that precluded her from filling the role as president, Jill offered to serve another year, despite having a busy personal and professional life. She also created new services for her patients in a small community practice such as smoking cessation and survivorship programs.

Jill shares her expertise through publications, even though she receives no credit. She does it to give back to the profession. When I needed additional symptom management chapters written for a book that I was editing, Jill stepped in. I realize that there are numerous accomplished oncology nurses who have achieved great things. However, the heroes who collaborate with patients and families day in and day out are not always recognized for the difference they make in patients’ lives. Jill has done many of the things that others have done, including seeking advanced degrees and certification, publishing, speaking and serving on boards.

Jill stands out because she does these things outside of her everyday work life and is truly at the chairside every day. Jill has the ability to connect with people from all walks of life. Whether it is one of the many collaborating physicians she works with, patients and family members, fellow ONS chapter members or nurses seeking advice about furthering their education, Jill listens and shares her expertise and experience.

There are many reasons why Jill is deserving of this award. She makes a positive impact on so many people’s lives through her dedication to patient care, innovative programs and volunteer activities within ONS on a local, regional, and national level. But most of all, she touches so many lives, one person at a time.

Jill Reese, an accomplished oncology nurse, has significantly contributed to her local Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) chapter and rural cancer center. Her dedication to patient care, mentorship, and professional development is evident through her leadership roles, innovative programs, and educational contributions. Despite personal and professional challenges, Jill consistently shares her expertise and supports her colleagues, enhancing the quality of oncology care in her community. Her ability to connect with patients, families, and healthcare professionals underscores her impact, making her a deserving recipient of recognition for her contributions.

Reflecting upon my relationship with Jill over the past 25 years, I am in awe of all she has accomplished. 

Healer, Mentor and Leader

Kathleen Coughlin, although small in stature, is often referred to as the “Bulldozer.” This appropriate nickname is a direct result of her steadfast determination to break down every barrier that patients and their caregivers encounter throughout their cancer journey. Kathleen believes that patients and their families should be able to place all of their energy into healing. Unfortunately, typically that is not the case for most patients who deal with hardships such as insurance coverage, financial well-being, transportation and child care issues. Kathleen does the extraordinary work of taking the time to truly know and understand her patients and the obstacles they encounter.

Recently, Kathleen had a patient who opted to forgo treatment because of transportation issues. All available resources were depleted, so Kathleen introduced him to another patient who lived in his area and also had received a bone marrow transplant (BMT). These patients and their families were both traveling into the city 2 to 3 times each week. The families were able to support each other and assist with transportation. They have now become extended family and each other’s lifeline. Kathleen realized the profound impact connecting these families had on their well-being. She went on to develop a BMT support group that is regularly attended by patients and their caregivers. This has provided another layer of psychological support, which is so critically needed. This group expressed a desire to continue networking by developing a yearly BMT wellness day. In 2024, Kathleen organized an event in which survivors and their families enjoyed a day making new connections as well as participating in reiki, yoga, massage and art therapy.

In addition to the above, Kathleen has identified gaps in health care systems and is brave enough to institute change. She noted that patients with sickle cell anemia who presented in crisis often encountered disjointed care. Each patient required different levels of narcotics to manage their crisis, and often prescribers who were unfamiliar with the patient had reservations about prescribing high doses of analgesics. This reluctance resulted in patients with sickle cell anemia feeling frustrated and unheard and having to deal with unmanaged pain levels. Some patients expressed mistrust in health care providers as a result of the constant need to negotiate their pain management. Disheartened by this, Kathleen empathized and knew she needed to advocate for this at-risk population of patients. She identified the need to provide education to the emergency room staff so that they felt equipped to treat patients who present in crisis. Providers were shown how to develop a pain crisis management plan that was agreed upon by the patient and was well documented in the health medical records. She also made it her mission to educate providers and nursing staff so they felt better equipped to treat a patient who presents in sickle cell crisis. These interventions led to patients feeling supported, as well as staff feeling safe in their practice.

In addition to all of the above, Kathleen leads a practice of nurse practitioners and a hematology/oncology BMT unit. She understands the importance of ensuring nurses are well supported in their roles so that they can provide optimal care for patients. She, without a doubt, is an Extraordinary Healer, and we are so grateful for the example she is to us.

Kathleen Coughlin, known as the "Bulldozer," is dedicated to dismantling barriers faced by cancer patients and their caregivers. She addresses challenges such as transportation, insurance, and financial issues, ensuring patients focus on healing. Kathleen's initiatives include creating a BMT support group and organizing wellness events to foster community and psychological support. She also advocates for sickle cell anemia patients by educating healthcare providers on effective pain management, improving patient trust and care. As a leader in a hematology/oncology BMT unit, she supports nurses to deliver optimal patient care.

Kathleen Coughlin, although small in stature, is often referred to as the “Bulldozer.” 

The Fearless Patient Advocate

I am privileged to nominate Matthew Mangold, B.S.N., RN, for the Extraordinary Healer Award for Oncology Nursing. As a dedicated nurse in the postanesthesia care unit and part of the radiation oncology team at Fox Chase Cancer Center, Matt quickly established himself as an invaluable asset, particularly in caring for complex patients on the genitourinary service line. His steady demeanor, combined with his critical care experience, has brought a reassuring presence to the department, enhancing patient safety and the overall atmosphere of professionalism.

Since joining the team in 2023, Matt has demonstrated remarkable adaptability and insight. He quickly grasped the intricacies of patient care within radiation oncology, becoming a strong contributor to team engagement and collaboration. His calm, methodical approach not only reassures patients during a challenging time but also fosters a supportive environment for his colleagues.

One of Matt’s most notable contributions is his commitment to honoring our patients who are veterans. Matt recognized that many of his patients had bravely served our country, which inspired him to develop a meaningful program that honors their courage and sacrifice. Leveraging his woodworking skills, he launched the “Radiating Valor” project, where he meticulously crafts stunning wooden American flags to present to veterans upon their completion of treatment. This initiative transcends a simple gesture: It serves as a profound tribute to their bravery both in military service and in their fight against cancer. With each flag, Matt unites the patient, his family, and staff in a moment of heartfelt gratitude and recognition. The tears and joy shared in the radiation hallway highlight the powerful impact of Matt’s initiative, underscoring the vital role of community support during challenging times.

Beyond this project, Matt’s involvement in hospital councils reflects his dedication to shared decision-making and advocacy for patient care. He actively brings the voice of the radiation oncology unit to the table, ensuring that the needs and perspectives of his patients are represented across the institution.

In just a short time, Matthew has exemplified the spirit of this award through his compassion, creativity and commitment to enhancing the patient experience. His efforts to honor veterans, combined with his calm presence and critical care expertise, have made a significant difference in the lives of his patients and the overall culture of the unit.

I wholeheartedly recommend Matthew Mangold for the Extraordinary Healer Award for Oncology Nursing. His innovative approach to patient care and unwavering dedication to honoring those who have served our country truly make him a deserving candidate. I am confident that he will continue to inspire others and contribute positively to the field of nursing and oncology care.

For more news on cancer updates, research and education, don’t forget to 

Matthew Mangold, B.S.N., RN, is nominated for the Extraordinary Healer Award for Oncology Nursing due to his exceptional contributions at Fox Chase Cancer Center. His critical care experience and calm demeanor enhance patient safety and professionalism. Notably, he initiated the "Radiating Valor" project, crafting wooden American flags for veteran patients, creating a profound tribute to their service and cancer battle. His involvement in hospital councils ensures patient needs are represented. Matthew's compassion, creativity, and dedication significantly impact patient care and the unit's culture.

Advocacy and ‘Radiating Valor’ Have a Transformative Impact

The nursing profession is home to countless extraordinary individuals who possess the skills, knowledge and compassion necessary to provide high-quality care to patients every day. Among these dedicated professionals, there is a special group of nurses who have committed their careers to cancer care. These nurses exhibit exceptional empathy and strength, guiding individuals through some of the most challenging stages of life. They are grateful to share in the precious moments of overcoming significant clinical obstacles, as well as providing comfort during the final moments of life. Within this group, some rare healers possess not only the necessary skills and characteristics for caring for oncology patients but also a unique presence that impacts everyone around them. Their palpable essence goes beyond standard nursing care; they bring a sense of calm to our minds and peace to our souls.

It is an honor to introduce you to one of these rare healers. As a young girl in rural East Texas, Ann Foster, BSN, RN, OCN, grew up determined to become a nurse one day. She admired the white dresses and crisp nursing cap uniforms. After graduating high school in 1965, her dream \was to enroll in a nursing program, but lacking money, she got a job working as a bookkeeper in a local home and auto store instead. Ann excelled and eventually became the store manager for 15 years until she started a new job at Texas Furniture in 1990.

Ann’s life took a significant turn with new challenges when her family encountered the world of oncology. In 1991, her husband was diagnosed with esophageal cancer, and their lives quickly started on an unfamiliar journey. This experience drained their family’s time, energy, finances, and emotions. Throughout this difficult period, Ann received tremendous support from her employer, Texas Furniture, which allowed her to travel back and forth to The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston for her husband’s clinical trial. She received great comfort from the nursing team, who consistently went above and beyond to provide the best possible care. Ann was profoundly grateful for the dedication and compassion shown by the nurses during her husband’s treatment.

Unfortunately, despite their efforts, the cancer treatments were unsuccessful, and her husband passed away in 1992, just four months after his diagnosis. It was his 48th birthday. Ann was only 44 years old when she became a widow. After taking some time to grieve, Ann realized that she still had much of her own life to live. She reflected on her journey and prayed for guidance on how to move forward one day at a time. Through her prayers, she felt inspired to return to school and pursue her childhood dream of becoming a nurse. Her supporters at Texas Furniture were encouraging and flexible, allowing her to work while attending night classes.

Ann successfully tested out of many courses and quickly enrolled in the licensed vocational nurse (LVN) program. Despite being busy with her family, working part-time at the furniture store and starting her new health care career as an LVN, she set a goal to achieve her Registered Nurse (RN) degree by her 50th birthday. Ann diligently worked toward this goal and ultimately obtained her RN degree.

With the encouragement of a friend, Ann began working at a hospital in Paris, Texas, and gaining proficiency as a registered nurse. Although she appreciated the flexible schedule and experience in various departments, she hoped to eventually join the very special subset of oncology nurses and serve patients with the same grace given to her late husband.

Ann’s passion for cancer care came to fruition when she was recruited to Texas Oncology. Ann bonded with her new professional family, and she has excelled in learning every area of the cancer center, progressing into a senior position, and thriving as an oncology certified nurse (OCN). Almost 22 years later, Ann continues working with the Texas Oncology team as one of the center’s highest-performing, most well-respected, compassionate nurses.

Her oncology colleagues and providers were more than willing to share their impressions and feedback when discussing Ann and her service as a nurse: 

“There is not a more deserving person to nominate for the 2025 Extraordinary Healer Award than Ann Foster! ... She is constant. And by that, I mean she gives her all, all the time, and you can count on it. And it has been this way from day one. She brings true empathy and insight into her care for patients. She can run circles around all of us. She will help in every area of the clinic, and most of the time does it before she is even asked. She is a true treasure, and we are all blessed she is a part of our team and our family.” — Tricia, B.S.N., RN, OCN 

“As a co-worker, I look up to her as a nurse, a mom and a person. She has so much knowledge and willingness to share her knowledge. When I was out of the office for an extended time, she called several times to check on me. She brought food to my house so that I wouldn’t have to cook and my kids were fed. I like to call her ‘Momma Foster.’ She is the person who will be there for patients and her co-workers, whether it’s a shoulder to cry on or a needed kick in the butt. She is a wonderful person. I am privileged to work with her and call her a friend.” — Savanha, LVN, radiation oncology 

“I am new to Texas Oncology, and Ann has been very helpful to me. She is very hard-working and full of energy! First one here and usually the last one out. Always has a smile on her face! The patients all love her and have made connections with her over the years. Plus, she also makes the best chocolate cake ever!!” — Nancy, medical assistant 

“I have had the pleasure of seeing Ann as both a co-worker and a patient. The first time I met Ann, I was a patient. From the moment she called my name in the waiting room, she was warm, caring and very thorough in her assessment. She put me at ease and made me feel like a person and not just another patient. As a co-worker, I watch her continue to make our patients feel at ease and comfortable every single day. She is the first to arrive and the last to leave. She follows up, and I know that she will not only complete a task but exceed what is expected. She cares for each one of her patients with compassion and sensitivity. Ann doesn’t just check on me as a co-worker — she really cares about how I am. Her mood is always good and stable. She does not overreact or underreact. There is a quiet calm that she brings to her patients and co-workers. She is knowledgeable, has a true gift and is beyond a valuable member of the team. We are so blessed to have her in our lives!” — Ginger, FNP-BC 

“As a new provider to the team, I have experienced her support firsthand as I have transitioned to a new health care setting. Despite a very busy clinic schedule she is always approachable and pleasant and maintains her professionalism. She has an extremely giving heart and it is evident by the work she does and the passion she has for providing superior quality care to our patient population. I feel honored to be on her team.” — Teresa, M.S., APRN, AGNP-C, ACHPN

“I am always impressed by how she treats everyone with the same respect and a positive attitude. She genuinely embodies the company’s spirit and our core values in everything she does and inspires us all to do the same! I always enjoy working with Ann because I know we can rely on each other to get the job done. She is an expert in the field. I always enjoy learning from her. She is so positive and has a great sense of humor! — Vanessa, medical assistant 

“I cannot thank Ann enough for all her expertise and knowledge. She is so willing to help on every level. She is the first one at work and the last one out of the building most days. She has helped me immensely over the years. She is always patient, kind and willing to teach patient care to new employees.” — Caryn, FNP-C

“I can truly say for the past 20 years that Ann has worked for me, there is not a day that goes by that I am not reminded how grateful I am to have her on my team. We have been through a lot of ups and downs, but the calming presence that has been consistent through it all is Ann Foster.” — Trudy, nurse manager

Ann has many patient stories that have touched her heart over the years. One notable example is a high school friend who came to the center for treatment. The patient’s son-in-law was also diagnosed with colon cancer. The whole family was extremely grateful to have a kind and familiar face guiding them through their cancer journeys. Ann went above and beyond to help ensure the son-in-law survived long enough to see his first grandchild. She understands the importance of keeping her patients out of the hospital and at home with their loved ones. Ann values her patients’ trust in her nursing care and strives to make each patient feel special. Many people in the community seek care at the cancer center and already know her from personal connections or her previous career.

Additionally, Ann still does the bookkeeping at Texas Furniture on Saturdays. She is loyal to the local store, which has been a pillar for her during significant personal and professional milestones over the past several decades. Ann does not boast about being the best oncology nurse. Instead, she expresses her gratitude to God for granting her the knowledge and skills to care for cancer patients. Because she became a nurse later in life as a second career, Ann possesses a unique perspective on gratitude. She is thankful for her abilities and appreciates the opportunity to come to work each day.

Ironically, even though she has been nominated for recognition, Ann does not refer to herself as a “healer.” She tells her patients that she cannot guarantee healing; she knows that sometimes a cure is not possible. However, she assures them that she will support their wishes, promote their quality of life and provide the highest level of treatment to the best of her ability.

Ann is truly exceptional. In my role, I have the opportunity to meet many nurses across Texas. During a recent site visit to the Paris location, I conducted individual staff rounding sessions with all the members of the nursing services team. I often ask, “Who would you like to recognize? Who has helped you in your work or gone above and beyond for their patients recently?” I typically collect the feedback to share with the managers or to write thank-you notes to those mentioned. During this visit, all the team members recounted specific instances where they felt recognition was deserved, and the name that came up most frequently was Ann Foster. It was clear to me that this nurse deserves more than just a thank-you note. After conducting further interviews and learning more about Ann’s life story, I feel compelled to highlight her exemplary service. Ann is highly regarded as a role model for her team, demonstrating expert knowledge, an outstanding work ethic and inspiring qualities. She is beloved by her patients for the genuine kindness and compassion she displays in her daily care. Furthermore, her tireless passion for providing care is evident in her family legacy, as her son completed his pharmacy degree and her daughter has become an accomplished nurse practitioner.

I am very proud of Ann and grateful to know her. Our team and patients are fortunate to have the privilege of working with her and benefiting from all she has contributed to our nursing staff and the cancer community. I appreciate the opportunity to nominate Ann, and I thank you for considering her for the Extraordinary Healer Award for Oncology Nursing.

Ann Foster, a dedicated oncology nurse, exemplifies compassion and resilience in cancer care. Her journey began after her husband's battle with esophageal cancer, inspiring her to pursue nursing. Despite personal challenges, Ann achieved her RN degree and excelled in oncology, becoming a respected figure at Texas Oncology. Her colleagues and patients praise her empathy, dedication, and expertise. Ann's unique perspective, shaped by her late entry into nursing, enhances her ability to connect with patients. Her story highlights the profound impact of compassionate care in oncology nursing.

The nursing profession is home to countless extraordinary.

The Calm of Unbroken Kindness

It is with great pride and admiration that I nominate Diane Hudson, RN, OCN, for the Extraordinary Healer Award for Oncology Nursing. She has provided exceptional care, compassion and expertise in oncology for many years. In fact, she mentored me when I was new to the outpatient oncology setting in 2005 and has continued to be a respected leader for new nurses over all of these years.

She is a nurse who stands out as a beacon of compassion and expert medical care, always willing to share her knowledge and experience to help nurses develop skills and confidence. She has the innate ability to look at a patient with her fine-tuned assessment skills and determine whether they are in distress, their laboratory results are off or they just need a hug. Her emotional support is as expert of a skill as her clinical skills.

Being an oncology nurse requires a high level of clinical skills, and Diane continually exceeds expectations. During my years of working with Diane at Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers, I’ve watched her call about new treatments such as a rapid protocol and discuss how it must be primed down the line to work effectively. She has meticulous attention to detail, ensuring that every aspect of a patient’s care is managed. She looks at the whole patient, and it is evident in the way she practices as an expert nurse in oncology.

Diane Hudson exemplifies what it means to be an extraordinary oncology nurse. She has had a profound impact on the lives of patients and nurses, including on my life. This is not only a nomination, but a “Thank you” to her. The world has been made better with her in it!

Diane Hudson, RN, OCN, is nominated for the Extraordinary Healer Award for her exceptional contributions to oncology nursing. With years of experience, she has been a mentor and leader, providing compassionate care and expert medical attention. Her ability to assess patients' needs, whether clinical or emotional, is remarkable. Diane's meticulous attention to detail and dedication to patient care have made her an exemplary figure in oncology nursing. Her influence extends beyond patients to fellow nurses, significantly impacting their professional development and confidence.

It is with great pride and admiration that I nominate Diane Hudson, RN, OCN, for the Extraordinary Healer Award for Oncology Nursing. 

Patricia Jakel, RN, MN, AOCN

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