Career in Oncology Nursing
Oncology nursing is a specialty that cannot be compared to other fields, in as much as the impact of a cancer diagnosis on a person cannot be compared with that of other diseases.
Nurses who care for cancer patients are involved from the point of diagnosis till the stage where the patients either overcome or succumb to the disease. Oncology nurses provide more than just physical care; more importantly, they give emotional and psychological support to patients in their battle against this disease.
Touching Hearts, Changing Lives by Lee Yee Mei, Nurse Clinician, Oncology Nursing
 As I was growing up, my first love was to teach so I could make a difference in people's lives. One day the calling came, but it was to be a nurse. No doubt it was a difficult decision to abandon my first love but looking back I am glad I chose nursing instead. Being a nurse not only helped fulfill my dream to be teacher, it also allowed me to make a difference in my patients' lives.
Like most nurses I entered the profession with a desire to care for patients. I enjoy caring for them and being with them when they are in need, be it physical or emotional. The most touching experience I encountered was when I was a student nurse caring for a young cancer patient during his last days. After his demise I knew exactly what I wanted to do - cancer nursing.
A cancer diagnosis often throws a person out of balance in every aspect of life. The changes occurring to each patient are like no other they have experienced. Assisting cancer patients and their caregivers in dealing with some of life's most fundamental issues and to find some normalcy in life can be difficult but extremely rewarding. Nothing is more gratifying than the privilege of being alongside my patients and supporting them in their personal battle with cancer.
Being a clinical nurse also gave me opportunities to share my experience with fellow colleagues and junior nurses. Indeed cancer nursing is one that challenges the mind, body and spirit. But the sense of satisfaction and accomplishment is beyond words when you know you have made a difference.
Sister Lee was awarded the Healthcare Humanity Award by His Excellency, President Nathan in May 2004. The award is given to outstanding healthcare workers who are inspirational role models and exemplify the values of courage, extraordinary dedication, selflessness, steadfastness in ethics, compassion and humanity.
Careers in Nursing |
