Oncology nurses help educate and support patients
ProHealth Care’s cancer services are comprehensive, ranging from genetic counseling, advanced diagnostics and innovative treatment options to clinical trials, health screenings and support services. The care team includes oncologists, surgeons, radiologists, nurses, technicians and others. The program’s partnership with UW Health and connection to Wisconsin’s only National Cancer Institute designated cancer center brings the benefits of academic medicine close to home for patients.
Oncology nurses provide care in ProHealth’s hospitals and cancer centers in Oconomowoc, Mukwonago, Pewaukee and Waukesha. Advanced practice providers, RN oncology supervisors, clinical nurses, nurse navigators and licensed practical nurses are all part of the nursing team.
Oncology nurses provide:
- Patient assessment
- Patient education
- Care coordination
- Direct patient care
- Symptom management
- Supportive care
Medical oncology nurses get to know patients over the long term. Their primary role includes administering chemotherapy and immunotherapy medications and infusions, educating patients, and helping them with pain management and side effects.
Radiation oncology nurses see patients at the beginning and end of treatment and whenever needed during treatment. They also support patients over the phone and through MyChart.
Radiation oncology nurses work with medical oncologists and other members of the team. They collaborate closely with radiation therapists to ensure each patient is prepared for treatment. The nurses help patients and the care team prepare for procedures, providing care coordination, prior authorization, equipment readiness and instructions. Many cancer patients receive more than one treatment modality at a time, making collaboration crucial.
Nurse navigators also play an important role in patient support and team collaboration. Navigators explain diagnoses and treatments to patients, guide them in shared decision-making with their providers, and coordinate care.
Initial patient discussions with a nurse navigator include a review of test results, treatment options and evidence-based outcomes. Each patient’s concerns, support system, family and other priorities help inform their care plans.
Nurse navigators have multiple touchpoints with a patient during their cancer journey. They assist with referrals to oncology dietitians, behavioral health therapists, genetic counselors, clinical research professionals, rehabilitation therapists and social workers. They also help coordinate and support tumor board conferences, help develop care plans and post-treatment survivorship plans, and lead free support group meetings.
A patient’s responses to experiencing cancer can shift and evolve, so navigators help provide psychosocial support from diagnosis through treatment, follow-up and survivorship care.
Research shows that patients who have support from a nurse navigator throughout their cancer journey feel more involved in their care, more informed and better prepared for the future.
