It's Oncology Nurses Week!

If you ask a cancer patient who was one of the most important people they came in contact with while  they were undergoing cancer treatment, they will inevitably mention an oncology nurse. Physicians, counselors and pharmacists all play vital roles in a patient's successful journey through treatment - but at one time or another the nurses they encounter take on some vital roles as well.

For decades, nurses were not very involved in cancer care. Their role was limited to the inpatient care of patients who underwent surgery to treat their cancer (the primary method of treatment until the early 1970s). But with the National Cancer Act of 1971 there began to be a change in the way cancer was treated and managed. Along with those treatment changes, nurses were provided with opportunities to become more involved with the care of cancer patients from diagnosis through recovery.

From the NurseSource.org website:
"The oncology nurse functions as a coordinator of care, collaborating with other cancer care providers and team members to provide required care as effectively as possible. Advanced practice may include the roles of direct caregiver, coordinator, consultant, educator, researcher and administrator."

There are many specialties available to an oncology nurse, including:

• chemotherapy
• biotherapy
• breast oncology
• hematology/oncology
• radiation
• GYN oncology
• head and neck oncology
• surgical oncology
• bone marrow transplant
• cancer genetic counseling
• prevention and early detection
• symptom management
• palliative care

Some of the awesome nurses we work with at Highlands Oncology Group.

Hope Cancer Resources' staff gets to work alongside professional, highly trained and committed nurses in local clinics who are making a difference in the lives of cancer patients in Northwest Arkansas every single day. Join us to thank an oncology nurse this month, and every month.