Balancing the Challenging and Rewards Times of Oncology Nursing

Since oncology nurses are often with patients at their lowest points, it may make it more rewarding when patients experience the high points of their cancer journey, explained Meaghan Mooney, B.S.N., RN, OCN.

Mooney, chief of staff at Ascension Medical Group Texas in Austin, was the recipient of the 2024 Extraordinary Healer® award for oncology nurses. Ahead of the award ceremony, she sat down with Oncology Nursing News® to discuss how she feels she is an extraordinary healer. Mooney also offered advice to other oncology nurses and people who are considering a career in this field.

READ MORE: Meaghan Mooney, B.S.N., RN, OCN, Receives CURE’s 2024 Extraordinary Healer® Award

“Take care of a patient how you would want yourself or your family to be taken care of. It’s as simple as that,” Mooney said in the interview.

When it comes to facing difficult days while caring for patients with cancer, Mooney offered the following advice: “Find ways to cope and manage, because you will definitely have some challenging times. But it’s very rewarding. I think because oncology is such a tough field [and] you’re with patients through their lows, it’s even more rewarding when you get to experience those highs with them. … I love oncology, so I would highly encourage people to work in that field.”