Inpatient Oncology

The oncology unit is dedicated to caring for cancer patients in a holistic way – body, mind and spirit. The unit provides a range of care from diagnosis and treatment to palliative. Our specially trained staff works with patients and families in various stages of the disease process. Their dedication is evidenced by the many patients and families who keep in contact with the staff through personal visits, cards, flowers and food. Patients' plans of care are discussed in weekly cancer conferences.

Our clinical coordinator works with staff and physicians to meet the educational needs of patients and their families. The coordinator has developed various educational materials and uses many resources to assist patients with their home care and medications. Her work with the interdisciplinary team has helped to reduce patients' lengths of stay. Her role includes coordinating the care of all hospitalized cancer patients in both of our hospitals – not just on our unit.

Nurses on the oncology unit are certified in several areas: oncology, medical-surgical and gerontology. Their combined years of nursing experience exceeds 410 years and their average age is 39. Some staff nurses are pursuing advanced degrees and several of our certified nursing assistants are nursing students. Many nurses are members of the Oncology Nursing Society and our local ONS chapter.

There have been many opportunities for our staff to participate in community events promoting cancer screening and awareness. We work in conjunction with the Centra Foundation our local American Cancer Society to develop and identify these opportunities. Many of our staff have promoted nursing at career days in local schools.

Our oncology staff use their hands and hearts to provide the special care that cancer patients and their families need and deserve. Their pride in their profession and dedication to their patients makes oncology nursing rewarding and our oncology unit a special place to work.