Oncology Nursing Day — April 7

On Oncology Nursing Day, we recognize and celebrate the dedication, compassion and expertise of oncology nurses across the MUHC. Every day, these professionals provide exceptional clinical care while supporting patients and families through some of the most challenging moments of their lives. Their work goes far beyond treatment — they educate, advocate, comfort and guide patients throughout the cancer journey. 

For Sana Qureshi, a nurse on the Hematology-Oncology Stem Cell Transplant unit (D10) at the Glen site for the past seven years, We are the MUHC means being part of a community that cares not only for patients, but also for their families during vulnerable moments. It reflects the shared expertise, compassion, and teamwork that allow staff to support each patient as a whole person and everyone who stands beside them. Working on D10, where patients often experience long and repeated hospital stays, nurses build strong relationships with patients and their loved ones, providing patient- and family-centred care alongside the interdisciplinary team throughout the cancer journey. 

She recalls a particularly meaningful moment during the COVID-19 pandemic, when she supported a father distressed by separation from his family due to visiting restrictions. Sitting with him, holding his hand and offering reassurance during an isolating time left a lasting impact — one he remembered years later when he returned to thank the team. Moments like these reflect the human connection at the heart of oncology nursing. 

Across the MUHC, oncology nursing expertise is present in many teams and services, including the Cancer Care Mission, Oncology Day Centre, Radiation Oncology, the Lung Cancer Clinic, the Supportive Care Clinic and Ambulatory Care. Together, these teams provide coordinated, patient-centred care at every stage — from diagnosis and treatment to recovery, survivorship and supportive care. 

Today, we proudly recognize the collective impact of oncology nurses whose commitment and compassion make a difference every day for our patients, families, and colleagues. Together, We are the MUHC.