Article

What Makes an Oncology Nurse Great

Janet M. McFadden, RN-BC, B.S., MT(ASCP) understands the medical issues her patients are facing. She is calm and compassionate with her patients.

By Dr. Samuel H. Zimmern

The cardio-oncology clinic at Levine Cancer Institute serves patients with a history of cancer who also have definite or possible heart disease. This twofold threat to their health leads patients to experience both extra physical problems as well as emotional challenges.

The ideal nurse for these patients possesses several qualities. The nurse must comprehend the cardiovascular disease possibilities. They must be skilled at helping patients understand their cardiac problem (or potential problem) and giving patients the feeling that a highly qualified and caring team is working for their benefit.

In addition, the nurse should be knowledgeable about the health care system and effective in helping patients navigate their way through that system. Finally, the ideal nurse must be congenial and supportive with all the many health care teammates that she encounters.

I feel that Janet M. McFadden, RN-BC, B.S., MT(ASCP), is endowed with all of these qualities. She understands the medical issues her patients are facing. She is calm and compassionate with her patients. She takes the time to explain their medical issues and make sure they know that they will receive excellent care.

When patient concerns come up, as they inevitably do, Janet’s reassuring mannerand her ability to solve problems almost always result in patients feeling better. Janet is a team player and her interactions with her colleagues at all levels are exemplary.

Janet is great to work with and deserves to be designated an Extraordinary Healer®.


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

Newsletter

Stay up to date on cancer updates, research and education

Related Videos
Robotic and minimally invasive kidney cancer surgery may reduce pain, shorten recovery time and preserve kidney function, according to Dr. Armine Smith.
2 experts are featured in this series.
2 experts are featured in this series.
Image of Doctor.
Building long-term trust with providers can help patients with MPNs feel supported, encourage them to speak up and navigate care with confidence.
The field of radiation oncology has advanced in brain cancer treatment with precise therapeutic approaches including proton and carbon therapy.
Image of Dr. Doug
Image of doctor.
Image of Dr. Kelly
Image of Dr. Boffa.
Related Content