I'm asking for your input...

[jcu7]

Hi everyone! I am a first year nursing student in a entry level Masters Program in MA and I was hoping I could get your input on a paper that I will be writing.

My paper is about the Importance of Care Between Nurses and Cancer Patients and I would like any and all nurses' opinions on "what would be the most important aspect of "care" that you give cancer patients?" I chose this topic for two reasons: One, I used to work at a Cancer Institute in Boston before I started my program and it made me realize that my ultimate goal is to become an Oncology Nurse. Cancer patients are incredible optimistic people, they view their disease as "living with cancer", instead of "dying of cancer," and for that I have the highest respect for them. And two, not too long ago, a week after my 25th birthday, I went to my normal annual exam only to find out that in one moment my whole life would completely change. The doctor found a lump in my breast...I never expected to hear that, especially at the age of 25. I was fortunate enough to work in such a fine Institute with such excellent care from both the doctors and especially the nurses that they had my results in 3 days...now THAT is the kind of "care" that I'm talking about. The tumor turned out to be benign but a definite diagnosis is still uncertain....But, now I find myself in the same position again...I found another lump in the other breast and am waiting for my doctor appointment on Tuesday...but I know that I can get through this with the help of incredible people that have taken care of me....

So, please, I ask you to give me your input on this question: "What is the most important aspect of nursing care for cancer patients?" Please let me know what is important to you and your information will not only help me in writing this paper, but also later as a nurse, and most importantly, right now as a patient. You can write me personally at [email protected] if you would like or on this discussion page. And if it would be okay with you, I would love to quote you on some of the information you give me. Thanks so much in advance.

Sincerely,

JCU7

[MRed94]

Caring enough to badger the doctor for adequate PAIN control....... Best thing we can do for them.

Also, being willing and/or able to just sit with them, talking or not talking.

Most people just need another presence that understands.

Marla

[P_RN, ADN, RN]

When I had a similar scare with a lump I was "innundated" with horror stories and not only from friends but from co-workers and relatives. My gyn even told me about a patient of his who had ductal carcinoma, a wait and watch was decided......and she died before he could recheck her.

What I would suggest is NO comparisons, no one-ups-manship. JUST LISTEN!

Every patient is an individual. It may be "routine" surgery for some nurses and surgeons, but it is the ONLY surgery some women would ever have had.

[mustangsheba]

I had breast ca 12 years ago. First, if you have a lump that doesn't belong there, remove it. Enhance your nutrition. When working with patients, honor their individuality and respect their wishes. Explore their beliefs and values. Be direct in a gentle way. Talk to them about pain management. Listen as you have never listened before. When you look at them, look into their soul with compassion. Be an aggressive patient advocate. I would be happy to answer any questions.

[jimminy]

Be a patient advocate. Our residents are reluctant to prescribe correct pain meds for CA patients. They will write Rxs for T3s for an end stage CA patient. We have to gently explain the need for real pain meds. Part of their reluctance is that they have to get an attendings signature for the real pain meds, and they do not want to wake him/her up. Since they are new, we as nurses guide them through the procedure and will not discharge the patient until they have adequate pain control.