Kerys Russell
Advanced Clinical Nurse Specialist – Upper GI Cancers
NHS Fife
© Lesley Martin 2023
What are the skills/expertise you need to work as an advanced cancer nurse specialist?
The cancer nurse specialist is often a key, constant person throughout a patient’s cancer journey, striving to deliver holistic, person-centered care in a sensitive and compassionate way. The nurse specialists are highly trained nurses who possess advanced clinical decision making skills and expert specialist knowledge on a range of concerns.
Supporting patients with cancer every day requires a large amount of resilience, empathy and a high level of emotional intelligence. Developing a trusting and therapeutic relationship with patients is therefore crucial, achieved through effective communication and listening deeply to what matters most to people.
The nurse specialists can often act as advocates for their patient’s wishes and guide patients to have realistic expectations and goals around their care.
That moment when you think you don’t have time to take care of yourself is the exact moment when you need to.
