The ‘Shining Light’ of the Oncology Team

From public health professional to a patient with breast cancer, this person details the selfless that an oncology nurse exhibits in her daily life.

I'm here to nominate my oncology nurse, Jamie O’Connor, B.S.N., RN, OCN, who works at Sibley Memorial Hospital in Washington, D.C.

Jamie is truly an extraordinary healer. She has been there for me every step of the way, consistently going above and beyond to support me, to calm my fears and to make my chemo sessions as comfortable as is possible. Her level of skill combined with her exceptional and positive personality really has been my saving grace. Among all the oncology team who work with me, including doctors and therapists, Jamie has been the shining light.

I am a public health professional and work as a patient advocate. I have a lot of familiarity with the difference between patient-centered care and/or the lack of it. Jamie sets the standard for being patient-centric. I wish that there were more professionals like her.

And finally, in this treacherous time of getting cancer care, I'm a patient with breast cancer trying to avoid COVID-19; it's very stressful and isolating. I can honestly say I almost look forward to my infusions because I know Jamie will be there to support me and I won't feel like a widget.

I know other patients swear by her as well. She's very much in demand, and patients with cancer ask for her to be their designated caregiver all the time.

I work with all kinds of health professionals, and no one is more worthy than Jamie for this award.

Editor’s Note: This is an essay submitted by Judith Glanz for the 2021 Extraordinary Healer Award. Click here to read more about CURE®’s Extraordinary Healer® Award for Oncology Nursing event on April 30, 2021.

For more news on cancer updates, research and education, don’t forget to subscribe to CURE®’s newsletters here.