What Makes an Oncology Nurse Great

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.