From Cancer Patient to Infusion Nurse
A nurse went from cancer treatment patient to staff nurse at this infusion center
Welcome to Nurse Ascent, a twice-weekly newsletter created by nurses, for nurses. This week, one nurse shares her story of receiving a cancer diagnoses, going through treatment, and meeting her future coworkers along the way. We also discuss Chagas disease, the notable decline in overall vaccination, and a new glue to help fix broken bones.
But first, a shout out to the nurse who picked up a 4th shift for overtime...
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Nurse Spotlight: Sarah Webb RN, BSN
What I do for work
I’m an infusion nurse working at an outpatient infusion center affiliated with a large local hospital. We provide outpatient chemotherapies, biotherapies, blood products, infusions for dementia and Alzheimer’s (including new clinical studies drugs), IV hydration and more.
How I got here
I first worked briefly at a PCU before joining a new grad L&D residency program where I stayed for years. Later on, I was diagnosed with cancer and I did my treatment at this infusion center. I actually had a coworker from another hospital who took care of me during my cancer treatments at the infusion center & when she heard that I was burnt out from working on the floor, she shared a part-time job opening at the infusion center and helped me apply.
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More on Sarah Webb
A day in my life
I work 10-hour shifts, coming in from 9am to 7pm & can have up to 5 patients at a time. When the patient first checks in, they’ll go to the oncology (or other relevant department) to meet with their doctor. The team there will get access to their port, draw labs, and confirm the plan of care with the doctor before the patient comes to us for their infusion. From there, we do a lot of double checking of drugs with the doctor, charge nurse, and other nurses before beginning their infusion. Some patients receive premedication to help with comfort and nausea, etc. Throughout their infusion, which can last anywhere from several minutes to several hours, I monitor the patient for any adverse reaction to the medications and ensure their infusion goes smoothly.
My self-care routine
My kids, who are 4 and 2 1/2, are most of my life right now because they’re so little. On my days off, it’s nice to be able to drop them off at school and get some “me” time. I like to go for a hike or take a walk in nature. If not that, then something that helps me move my body and get some quiet exercise to decompress. Although my job in the infusion center is much less taxing on my body, it can still be very emotionally draining and I do my best to recharge when I can on my days off.
Headlines in Healthcare
A steady decline
A recent data investigation by NBC showed that childhood vaccination rates are backsliding across the U.S. and that many don't have the protection needed to stop the spread of deadly diseases. For example, the study shares a large amount of the U.S. currently does not have the basic, ground-level immunity medical experts say is necessary to stop the spread of measles, which had once nearly been eliminated.
Chagas Disease
The CDC released a report last month arguing that shared Chagas Disease should be considered hypoendemic in the U.S. Chaga Disease is caused by parasitic protozoan and is transmitted through congenital, oral, and vectorborne routes (ie: feces) and in the acute phase causes flu-like symptoms, but in the chronic phase can lead to chronic heart issues. Experts share that declaring it hypoendemic means the rate of transmission is constant but low, and this classification can help increase surveillance and research.
New glue for bones
Scientists have invented what they're calling a "glue gun" to help heal broken bones in minutes. The material can quickly create complex bone implants using 3D printing technology, without prefabricating a metal or donor-bone graft in advance. These bone grafts are partially made from a filament comprised of hydroxyapatite — a feature of the natural bone known to promote healing.
Meet the author:
Katie Scoggins
(RN, BSN & Health Writer)
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