Summary of Reddit Comments on Oncology Nurse
Oncology Nurse's Role and Impact:
Oncology nurses have a challenging but rewarding job — dealing with the best and worst of human conditions in cancer patients.
They are seen as emotionally strong and dedicated professionals who provide comfort and care to patients and families during difficult times.
Transitioning from Oncology to Hospice is common due to the focus on quality of life.
They have to handle complex and longer-term medical cases that involve significant emotional involvement.
Legal and Ethical Dilemmas:
A user sought advice on how to ensure a DNR order is honored for a terminally-ill family member, resolving the issue without legal action, ultimately getting the DNR accepted by the family.
The process involved discussions with healthcare professionals, patient's family, and verification in medical records.
Other users shared personal experiences dealing with legal battles over terminal cases, stressing the importance of making medical wishes known and legally documented.
Challenges around resuscitating terminally ill patients were discussed, emphasizing the need to respect patient wishes and ensure proper documentation.
Patient Care and Teamwork:
A positive outcome was noted where a patient's wife changed her mind about a DNR order after understanding its implications through conversations with a healthcare professional.
The role of Oncology nurses in advocating for patient wishes, educating families, and ensuring quality end-of-life care was highlighted.
The value of teamwork and respect for each team member's expertise in healthcare settings, especially for nurses dealing with specialized medical cases, was acknowledged.
Personal Experiences and Reflections:
Personal stories were shared about the emotional impact of working in Oncology, experiences with patient care decisions, and the importance of honoring patient autonomy and wishes.
Family members recounted their struggles with decisions around end-of-life care and the significance of clarity and respect for medical directives.
The unique challenges and rewards of being an Oncology Nurse, dealing with complex medical cases and emotional situations, were noted by nurses from various specialties.
Overall, the comments emphasized the crucial role of Oncology nurses in providing compassionate care, facilitating difficult conversations, and advocating for patient autonomy and dignity in end-of-life care.
