The Oncology Unit at Munson Medical Center is staffed
with Registered Nurses, Licensed Practical Nurses, and nursing
assistants dedicated to giving compassionate, quality care to
those whose lives have been touched by cancer. Many of the unit’s
Registered Nurses are certified by the Oncology Nursing Society.
In addition, Munson Medical Center has achieved Magnet status for nursing excellence.
Clinical Nurse Specialists
An Oncology Clinical Nurse Specialist is a Registered
Nurse (RN) who has a master’s degree in nursing and is an
expert in managing issues related to cancer. The Clinical Nurse
Specialist can help you and your family in the following ways:
• Preparing you for everyday changes in your
life that may come from cancer or its treatment. Teaching ways
to resolve the side effects of treatment, like feeling tired,
loss of appetite, fighting infection, and managing other symptoms
of disease.
• Coordinating care with the rest of your health
care team (health care provider, nurse, social worker, and others)
to make sure that you get the best care possible in the hospital,
the clinic, and at home. Answering questions you may have about
your cancer, its treatment, and ways to live with cancer’s
“ups and downs.”
• Bringing together people and resources to
help you manage problems that you or your family may face.
• Sharing information about cancer
resources (education and support) that are available through
Munson Medical Center and the community.
Laurie Patrick, RN, OCN, is the patient educator
for the Oncology Unit. She is available to provide education and
support to individuals and their families dealing with a cancer
diagnosis.
