The Holistic Role of Survivorship Nurses
Posted on October 21, 2020 by Jamie Walden
The medical term for living with and beyond a cancer diagnosis is known as the survivorship phase. For many patients, survivorship discussions and future planning begins as early as day one of diagnosis. Oncology nurses are at the forefront of patient-centered cancer care and work to ensure that patients with all prognoses are able to plan for their future accordingly鈥攚hatever that future may hold.
According to Dr. Leigh Minchew, Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs and Associate Professor at USA College of Nursing and a Gynecologic Oncology Nurse Practitioner at the Mitchell Cancer Institute, the role of the nurse in cancer survivorship is a holistic one. 鈥淚t鈥檚 important to note that survivorship begins at the diagnosis鈥攆rom there, as nurses we鈥檙e involved in so many different aspects of the patient鈥檚 life. Psychological, spiritual, physical, emotional鈥攃ancer impacts so many areas that as nurses, we have to work to promote the realization of health in all regards,鈥� says Dr. Minchew
Addressing patients鈥� quality of life, health promotion, and long-term care doesn鈥檛 begin after they鈥檝e completed their treatment cycle. Managing the issues associated with survivorship can start even before the first treatment appointment and certainly extend to months and even years beyond when a patient is able to ring the bell that signifies their last treatment has been completed. And the role of nurses goes far beyond technical skills. They must advocate for their patients on many levels.
鈥淲hen it comes to survivorship, one of the biggest roles of the nurse is to realize and identify gaps in patient access to health maintenance activities. For instance, if a patient has an issue feeling connected to their environment or is having trouble with securing proper transportation to and from treatment, that鈥檚 where we step in to facilitate bridging that gap,鈥� she explains. 鈥淚t鈥檚 so important for survivorship nurses to pay close attention to what鈥檚 going on in the patient鈥檚 environment outside of the health care arena to truly meet the needs of the patient.鈥�
Dr. Minchew notes that there can be a variety of challenges that occur for individuals as after-effects of cancer care. From strains on personal relationships to physical issues like neuropathy, a variety of complications can arise that nurses must be willing to assist in mitigating. 鈥淚t鈥檚 not always an issue in need of a medication solution,鈥� she says. 鈥淪ometimes, it鈥檚 just being able to recommend the right shoes to help with neuropathy or understanding how the patient is adjusting to life beyond cancer.鈥�
A considerable aspect of survivorship is the way a cancer diagnosis鈥攅ven one with a positive prognosis鈥攕everely alters the course of the individual鈥檚 life. 鈥淐ancer changes everything for patients and their families. There can be a lot of grief over the fact that plans have to change and paths must often shift. This is where nurses come in鈥擨鈥檝e seen so many of our team members step up to help patients adjust their perspective or offer support for what the individual is going through.鈥�
Another noteworthy aspect of this career path is its viability. 鈥淎side from the emotional and psychological benefits of being a survivorship nurse, we鈥檝e seen that there will always be a need for this position. People will always need the delivery of care, which is primarily what we do as nurses.鈥�
The role of a survivorship nurse is a critical one, but it鈥檚 more of a calling than simply a career path. Dr. Minchew notes that the rewards associated with ushering patients through their survivorship journey far outweigh the challenges. 鈥淚t truly is the most rewarding career. Of course, there are good days and not-so-good days, and it can be very emotional for the nurse as well. However, being able to facilitate personal growth and helping our patients feel connected to whatever they need to feel their personal best is an incredible blessing,鈥� she says.
Nurses are so much more than frontline healthcare workers鈥攖hey are stewards of hope. If you鈥檙einterested in pursuing a rewarding career as a nurse, please click here today.
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