Mary Gullatte, PhD, RN, APRN, BC, AOCN®, FAAN, associate chief nursing officer, Emory University Hospital Midtown, president, Oncology Nursing Society, explains the impact that oncology nurses have on the lives of both patients and their families.

When a patient is first diagnosed with cancer they experience multiple feelings and emotions. The nurse is able to work with the patient, to encourage them, and to give them hope. Nurses can do this through providing the patient with a treatment plan, expectations, and education on how to live with cancer.

Gullatte reminds nurses that physically being available to encourage and care for a patient makes a huge difference in their life. Simply holding a patient’s hand is something that often cannot be replaced, even in the age of technology.

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Mary Gullatte, president of the Oncology Nursing Society, explains the impact that oncology nurses have on the lives of both patients and their families.

Mary Gullatte on the Impact of Oncology Nurses on Patients

Mary Gullatte, PhD, RN, APRN, BC, AOCN®, FAAN, associate chief nursing officer, Emory University Hospital Midtown, president, Oncology Nursing Society, discusses some of the concerns surrounding the growing field of cancer genetic counseling.

Gullatte explains that as the field grows many perpetrators are beginning to emerge. It is important that genetic counselors are held to the same standards as other medical professionals who require training and certification. This education is important because there is a special body of knowledge that genetic counselors need to know in order to accurately advise patients on the best course of action.

As cancer therapy becomes more personalized and geared towards an individual's genetics, it is increasingly important for a patient to receive counseling. This advice may include the next steps following the detection of a cancer gene, which includes preventing cancer from manifesting or possible prophylactic surgeries or medicines.

Mary Gullatte, President, Oncology Nursing Society, Discusses Cancer Genetic Counseling.

Mary Gullatte, PhD, RN, APRN, BC, AOCN, FAAN

Articles

Mary Gullatte on the Impact of Oncology Nurses on Patients

Mary Gullatte Discusses Cancer Genetic Counseling