Celebrating Oncology Nursing Day – April 1, 2025

Devotion, compassion and pride!  

Today, on Oncology Nursing Day, let’s take a moment to recognize and celebrate the dedication, compassion, and expertise of our incredible oncology nursing teams. Every day, they provide exceptional clinical care and unwavering support to patients and their families affected by cancer, guiding them through this challenging time in their lives. “The dedicated staff on D10 demonstrate great resilience, with teamwork playing a key role,” says Nurse Manager Julie Mathieu.

With advanced academic backgrounds and strong critical thinking skills, the Cancer Care Mission nurses take proactive steps to enhance workflows and advocate for improved patient experiences. “For example, expertise and clinical judgement are essential factors in decision making at the Oncology Day Centre (ODC) and the nurses played a pivotal role in the success of the Accreditation Canada visit,” adds Cancer Care Mission Associate Director Christine Bouchard. “The nursing team takes their daily responsibilities to heart to ensure that medications, especially those requiring high vigilance, are always clearly identifiable. Thank you for your exceptional leadership!”   

Oncology Nursing Day highlights the professional development opportunities available to nurses within the Cancer Care Mission. There are numerous learning pathways and experiences available across all care areas. “The radiation oncology nursing team, though small with just five members, is a dedicated and impactful group. They play a crucial role in patient education and in preventing radiation side effects, such as radiation dermatitis,” says Radiation Oncology Nurse Christine Horonowitsch.

Did you know that the McGill University Health Centre is the designated centre for the lung cancer trajectory and thoracic surgery within the RUISSS McGill? At the Lung Cancer Clinic, Nurse Navigator, Angela Hernandez, plays a crucial role in navigating patients through their lung cancer journey. She ensures that she assesses their level of distress and actively promotes smoking cessation practices within this patient population. 

Nurses like Courtney Mercier-McDonald in the Supportive Care Clinic make a profound impact whether teaching patients about how to manage complex symptoms or having serious illness conversations. “Their influence extends far beyond the hospital setting,” say Virginia Lee and Tina Kusaian, Nurse Managers in Ambulatory Care. “Their courage to witness and accompany people at these important life transitions is truly exceptional. It’s a paradox. What they see and do, can sometimes lead to even greater meaning in their work and life in general.”

Thank you to all oncology nurses for your dedication, teamwork, and passion for advancing cancer care. Your leadership makes a difference every day!