Throughout Oncology Nursing Month, Reimagine Care will highlight our Virtual Care Team aiming to showcase the passion, expertise, and dedication of the Clinical Team. These valuable insights showcase the challenges and rewards of working in this specialty.
Meet Brittany-
Brittany Cornfoot is a Registered Nurse at Reimagine Care with 11 years of experience. She has a wealth of oncology infusion, programmatic virtual care, and remote patient monitoring experience. Brittany is passionate about patients having access to virtual care.
Brittany, can you share a bit about your journey into oncology nursing and what inspired you to specialize in this field?
Oncology nursing fell in my lap unexpectedly. It was not a field I thought I would go into when first becoming a nurse. My dream initially was to be a Labor and Delivery nurse. I began my career working 12-hour shifts in L&D but I needed an office job with better hours to fit the needs of my children. I was given the opportunity to become an oncology nurse at one of the local hospitals and I quickly fell in love with this field of nursing. I remained an Oncology nurse for 6 years in clinic and when the doctor I was working with decided to retire I decided to spread my wings as well. Ultimately, this brought me to Reimagine Care.
What are some of the unique challenges and rewards of working as an oncology nurse compared to other nursing specialties?
I always like to start with the positives. One of the biggest rewards of being an oncology nurse, compared to other specialties, is the relationships you build with the patients and their families/caregivers. The patients are seen in the clinic often and/or call into the triage line for guidance during a very tough time. You get to know them well. Providing education and care to patients from the comfort of their home when they are not feeling their best is impactful for them and their families. As for challenges – the oncology world is steadily changing when it comes to new treatments and regimens. It is important to stay educated on all the new drugs and treatments.
How do you approach providing care and support to patients and their families facing a cancer diagnosis, especially now that you are in a virtual environment?
Patience, understanding, and being able to communicate well with the patient and their families are traits you must possess. The patients and their families are anxious, frustrated, and tired. Often, they just need someone to listen or someone who will just take that extra step to help them through the side effects of treatment.
Can you describe a particularly memorable patient interaction or experience that has stayed with you throughout your career?
There really are so many memories and interactions that come to mind. One that will stick with me forever is when a patient and her family wrote into the hospital about the care I provided to the patient through her treatment. I ended up being presented with the Guardian Angel award. Reading the words written by this patient truly reminded me why I was placed in this specialty and how blessed I am to be able to provide this care every day.
How do you prioritize self-care and prevent burnout while working in a demanding and sometimes emotionally taxing environment?
Prioritizing good habits, such as getting good rest, exercising, taking breaks, and asking for help when needed. Most importantly, have a good work and personal life balance. Take your vacation days to reset and recharge.
What advice would you give to aspiring oncology nurses who are considering entering this specialty?
Every day is not easy, but I promise it is worth it. It can be an emotionally taxing job, however, it is also extremely rewarding knowing that I was just a small hand in a patient ringing the bell at the end of their treatment.
How do you stay up to date with the latest advancements and treatments in nursing?
I attend all in-services provided by my company, as well as read a lot of oncology articles.
During Oncology Nursing Month, what message would you like to convey to your fellow oncology nurses around the world?
Continue to remember what led you to Oncology. Remember patience and flexibility to change. Treat everyone like if it were your family member and continue to love what you do.
What do you want other Oncology Nurses to know about Reimagine Care’s Virtual Care Center?
I have been with Reimagine Care for a little over a year now and I will say this wholeheartedly, this is the best place to work. From upper management to my VCC co-workers I am beyond blessed to have been given this opportunity and I will never take it for granted. What we are doing here at RC is amazing to be a part of.
What do you want patients to know about the importance of being proactive in their journey regarding symptom management?
Utilize your triage nurses. We are here to help and support you during this tough time. Our goal is to help you have the best quality of life during your treatment and keep you out of the hospital. Any time away from the clinic should be spent feeling the best you can and with your family.
Our interview with Brittany has shed light on the unwavering dedication, compassion, and resilience that nurses and providers embody each day.
As we celebrate Oncology Nursing Month, Reimagine Care is honored to recognize their valuable contributions. Brittany’s stories not only inspire gratitude but also serve as a reminder of the profound impact nurses have on the lives they touch. Let’s continue to support nurses and providers not just this week, but every day, as they continue to selflessly care for others with boundless empathy and commitment.
About Reimagine Care:
We believe people living with cancer deserve a better patient experience; to feel their best and to spend as much time as possible with the people they love, doing the things that bring them joy. Reimagine Care integrates clinical oncology experts and robust, enabling technologies to deliver a high-touch, individualized cancer treatment and recovery experience. This holistic approach relies on the combination of empathy and knowledge of our clinical care team with our thoughtfully designed and easy-to-use platform.
Our vision and our approach fuel the delivery of high-quality, safe, home-centered, coordinated cancer care that makes care more patient-centric, accessible, affordable, and the first choice for patients everywhere.
Extending Care Beyond the Clinic.