Anita Nirenberg on Patients Newly Diagnosed with Cancer

Anita Nirenberg, PhD, RN, AOCNP, PNP-BC, FAAN, a professor of clinical nursing and associate director for Nurse Practitioner Specialties at Hunter-Bellevue School of Nursing, discusses how nurses should approach patients newly diagnosed with cancer.

Having discussions about risks and benefits is important in educating patients and family members, but Nirenberg advises patients against searching their diagnosis on the Internet because it can increase their anxiety.

Nirenberg says nurses can provide accurate information to patients and develop a mutual trust soon after the initial diagnosis.