"In pediatric oncology, we have a conviction about our work, a sense of mission. Whether it goes well or not, I love the extended relationship. I love that it’s whole care―mind, body and spirit. It’s a privilege to take part in these people’s lives when they’re so vulnerable. When I meet a new patient, a new family, my hope for them is a peaceful journey―wherever that journey goes―that the system is honest, that it doesn’t disappoint or insult.
Yes, it’s a struggle to find a way to be OK. I strive to be open but also to find a place where I can protect myself so I can keep coming back. Years ago, the likelihood was high that patients would die. Now there are a lot of excellent cure rates. That’s really sustaining. And every day I see so much bravery and resilience. Families get pulled up out of their lives, parents’ definition of themselves changes, siblings suffer. Somehow they find grace to accept this new shape. It may be a cliché, but that’s because it’s true: These children are wise beyond their years.
I came to nursing as a later-in-life choice. I had been volunteering at a home for people with end-stage AIDS when I reached a moment of assessment, when I wanted my life to be more like this. Medical school? Nursing? Nursing is more the mode of practice that I wanted. I did the one-year accelerated program at the School of Nursing and went right into pediatric oncology.
The reason I’ll stay? In addition to the honor of working with these children and their families, there’s a huge capacity for professional and personal growth. You can create things to make the care better. I feel like my voice is heard and accepted. We take part in rounds with the physicians. Because our children are so fragile, we really work as a team. And on our unit, it is really nursing that provides continuity of care. I can’t imagine an environment where doctors respect nurses’ opinions more. If you have something to say, this is a great place to build a career. I don’t see limits to how much you can grow." |
