Nurse Educators

A well educated patient with accurate information ensures that together, with the doctor, clinical staff, and caregivers, an achievable goal can be set. Nurse Educators endeavor to alleviate undue worry and distress for the cancer patient by educating the new patient about the therapy process. Their goal is to eradicate fear of the unknown as they answer questions such as:

  • What is chemotherapy and how is it given?
  • What common side effects are expected?
  • How do I manage possible side effects?
  • How long will the treatment take?

CCA has two nurse educators who travel from site to site meeting one on one or with small groups. Maureen Brannon, RN (east), and Cheryl Gilbert, RN (west), spend 1-2 hours with the patient(s) using the Blue Book, a manual for chemotherapy instruction. (see newsletter article: Nurse Educators Ease Fear of Unknown; winter issue, 2008)