TCU’s Center for Oncology Research makes an impact

Fort Worth, TX

4/24/2009

By: Elizabeth Denton, TCU Schieffer School of Journalism

Oncology is a growing and constantly changing field, and with a $1 million grant from the University of Texas Southwestern Moncrief Cancer Foundation, nursing students at TCU are getting hands-on experience and training. The Center of Oncology Education and Research is in its second year at TCU and the program continues to be a huge success.
The center’s primary goal is to increase the number of nurses who go into oncology after graduation.

“There are shortages in many health care settings, especially oncology. Nursing students do not want to go into oncology nursing because they think it is a depressing field. But it is actually one of the most rewarding fields to be in as a nurse,” said Suzy Lockwood, associate professor and director of the Center of Oncology Education and Research.

The nursing students are placed in internships where they work closely with oncology nurses. There are currently 17 students enrolled in the program who have completed the initial oncology course, Aspects of Oncology Care, and two that are completing a clinical residency. Additionally four are actively involved in internships at the Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders in Fort Worth.

Lockwood said, “We want to help students see and explore firsthand what it is like to be an oncology nurse. The students involved in the program truly enjoy it and we look forward to growth and expansion in the program.”

The students will learn about all areas of oncology care, ranging from what it means to be an oncology nurse, genetics of cancer, advances in oncology research, and survivorship issues. Through the various activities included in the two-year program, the center strives to encourage nurses and other health care professionals to select oncology as a specialty area for practice and research.

Lindsey Ott, a senior nursing student, said the program has been very rewarding. “When I first started, I was nervous that I would not be able to handle the load of cancer and getting close to patients, and them possibly passing away. I have worked there for almost a year and it is just the opposite. I am able to get to know these individuals, learn about their lives and families, and see them very frequently. It is rewarding to get to know the patients and to help them in their various stages of cancer.”

As well as working at the center, Ott was able to enroll in a residency at UT Southwestern in Dallas on an inpatient oncology floor. She works with patients who are getting chemotherapy or having complications with chemotherapy or cancer.

Ott said, “This has been my favorite part because I am able to advance my oncology skills. Every nursing student should go through the program. It is rewarding and allows nursing students to work with patients who are at various stages of their cancer, such as diagnosing, aggressive treatment, and palliative care.”

Ott and the other nurses also learn from programs and seminars supported by the center. In September 2009 the Center for Oncology Education and Research will host the second annual Smart Women Educational Program. It is a collaboration with TCU and the Moncrief Cancer Foundation designed to provide updated information on screening and prevention for the top cancers that affect women. Last year the topics covered included gynecological cancer, breast cancer and genetics.

Lockwood said, “The topics for this year’s program have not been confirmed, but we expect them to be lung, colorectal and uterine cancer.”

Physicians will discuss these cancers as ways to prevent them.

Lockwood said the center is planning to launch a graduate program and post-master’s certification in oncology this fall.