Oncology
Areas of Nursing in Oncology
Camperdown Ward
A nurse on Camperdown would have the opportunity to be involved in high dependency nursing of children with cancer, including medical and surgical experience i.e. removal of drains and sutures, pre op and post op care, use of oxygen therapy, regular assessment of clinical status / observations- looking for signs of sepsis or fluid overload in the child.
Nursing in Camperdown will also offer the opportunity to learn skills specific to paediatric oncology, such as chemotherapy administration, tumour lysis management, understanding disease (cancer) processes, treatment and diagnosis procedures.
"I began my nursing career as a new graduate nurse working in paediatric oncology, and in the four years since that time I have gone on to further study in the area. I have recently become a Clinical Nurse Specialist in this area.
I love working within the unit. The patients are sometimes frightened, sometimes apprehensive, usually sick, but always fun to work with. The environment is without a doubt challenging, and sometimes stressful, but this just adds to the camaraderie we have developed within the team. Working under pressure, in situations that are physically and emotionally draining, rapidly binds new team members together; we rely on each other for support in this area. The job might best be described as exhilarating. We are constantly doing new things and trialling new treatments and technologies; we were among the first transplant units in the world to trial a genetically modified stem cell transplant, and are pioneering a new protocol for the treatment of lymphoid leukaemia. The unit benefits from a close association between the areas of oncology and stem cell transplantation.
At the end of each day, when each nurse leaves this ward, we leave knowing that the things we have done have made a difference in the lives of children and families who are facing the toughest times in their lives. That's what makes working here so special."
Blood and Marrow Transplants on Camperdown Ward
Working in paediatric oncology is a very exciting and stimulating area. As well as looking after newly diagnosed patients and families, patients receiving chemotherapy, nurses on CW are given the opportunity to care for patients receiving a blood or bone marrow transplant for both malignant and non malignant diseases. CHW is one of only four centres in NSW which perform allogenic blood and bone marrow transplantation.
At any given time there are approximately four patients who are working up to, receiving or are post blood and bone marrow transplantation. These patients may have their peripheral blood stem cells collected via apheresis on the ward. This is an advanced nursing skill, which nurses after a length of time on the unit would be given the opportunity of learning and performing. Nursing staff are guided through transplantation by the Stem Cell Transplant Nursing Coordinator, in conjunction with the Nurse Educators and attend a Bone Marrow Transplant Education day after completing their orientation and chemotherapy packages.
Outlying Patients
There are often more patients, who need treatment, than there are beds on Camperdown ward. Therefore some of our patients are cared for in other wards of the hospital. Camperdown provides highly experienced nurses who work with the nurses on these wards to help guide the care of these children and young people. The support that the Clinical Nurse Consultant gives constitutes supervision of chemotherapy, education on procedures, liaising with the educators and team leaders on the wards to trouble shoot and offer support and education to families. The role also provides support to the surgical unit and for newly diagnosed patients.
"As an Enrolled Nurse working on Camperdown ward for 2 years I have developed new clinical skills and expanded my theoretical knowledge of Oncology Nursing. Camperdown Ward provides a warm, friendly and supportive environment to all nursing staff. It has an excellent preceptor programme. Working here has made me see my potential and now I am completing my Bachelor of Nursing Degree through University of Technology Sydney.
Hi, my name is Sandra and I have worked in Camperdown ward for five months. I came over to Sydney on a one year sabbatical. I normally work in a busy children's day case unit in the Highlands of Scotland. I decided to apply for a sabbatical as I wanted more oncology experience. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time in Camperdown ward and have found the nursing staff very welcoming and supportive.
This sabbatical has given me the opportunity to commence chemotherapy administration which I hope to be able to continue when I return home. It has also given me a greater insight into the management of chemotherapy patients. I also hope to attend the oncology clinic and general day case unit while I am here. I would recommend this very positive experience to anyone."
Oncology Treatment Centre
Usually known as 'clinic', this area of nursing cares for patients during the outpatient phase of their protocols, usually after they have spent time as an inpatient. They often attend clinic for day chemotherapy, CVL dressings, daily antibiotics, platelets, packed cells and education. Often clinic is used as an admission centre and as a triage centre for patients who become unwell whilst at home. Patients will visit the 'fishbowl' where they have bloods taken either from their central line or peripherally. There are 4 permanent clinic nurses and nurses from Camperdown spend up to 3 months working in clinic and fishbowl no a voluntary rotation. The Long term Follow up Clinic operates here too. Patients who have been off treatment for more than 5 years are monitored for any long term side effects of their treatment as they grow and develop.
Clinic is open Monday to Friday 8am till 6 and is a fun and colourful environment to ensure that the repeated experience of ongoing treatment is as 'bright' as possible.
"Working in clinic gives you a great opportunity to see patients when they are better, to see how your work and the work of your colleagues in Camperdown had a positive effect. It is also a great opportunity to see and experience a huge range of treatment protocols and to be more experienced in the discharge of patients. The atmosphere in the clinic is so upbeat with wonderful features in the treatment rooms and in the waiting areas to keep the children and young people occupied and happy. I have found it stimulating to negotiate with older patients as to their treatments, their experience of them and the benefits and difficulties in receiving them."
Community Care
The Community Clinical Nurse Consultant provides a service to patients and families in their homes and on average the CNC travels 3000km per month. A range of the duties include:
- administration of chemotherapy in the home
- central line care
- intravenous antibiotics
- education to parents to allow them to perform procedures such as chemotherapy administration in the home
- education to schools and preschools to support the child or young person returning to school
- symptom management
- treatment and support of palliative patients in the home
- liaison with support services in the community and co-ordination of palliative care
- bereavement support in liaison with the palliative care team from CHW and Bear Cottage (our children's hospice)
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