Giving a Well-Deserved Shout-out to Our Oncology Nurses!
Oncology nurses are truly the heart and soul of cancer care. They do so much more than manage treatments—they listen, comfort, advocate, and walk alongside patients and their families every step of the cancer journey. Whether it’s explaining a complex diagnosis, celebrating a good scan, or simply holding a hand during a tough moment, oncology nurses bring a blend of clinical expertise and genuine compassion that makes all the difference in helping our patients to thrive with and beyond cancer.
This Oncology Nursing Month we want to shine a light on these skilled and caring individuals whom we’re lucky to have on our team. Their impact goes far beyond medicine—it’s in the conversations, the hugs, the reassurances, and the tireless dedication to making sure every patient feels seen, heard, and supported.
Here are three of AO’s amazing oncology nurses, who give it their all every day for our patients.
Meet Lauren
Lauren Zeller, CPhT, CMA has been with AO for 10 years, five and a half of those as an admixture tech (the person who prepares and mixes intravenous chemotherapy medications) and the rest as a certified medical assistant. Lauren found it rewarding to switch to what she calls “the other side of treatment,” where she gets the opportunity to work one-on-one with patients rather than behind the scenes.
“There’s nothing better than seeing my patients with a big smile on their face, even in the midst of their health journey. Being a part of their progress from day one to the finish line is truly special,” Lauren says. Lauren strives to bring gratitude to her work each and every day and shares a little something she learned at the bedside: “Laughter really is the best medicine!”
Caring Beyond Limits
The 2025 Oncology Nursing Month theme is Caring Beyond Limits, and we’re proud to uplift that message as well as to honor the unwavering dedication and compassion of our oncology nurses. They are indispensable! As trusted partners in a patient’s journey, oncology nurses monitor progress, keep detailed records, and administer care prescribed by physicians and nurse practitioners. They also educate patients, guide them through treatment, and help prevent recurrence. Just as importantly, they provide emotional support and help ensure clear communication between patients and providers.
Meet Julie
Julie Cowing has been working in the medical field for 38 years, 19 of those as an RN. She truly loves what she does! And while it may be obvious that it takes someone with a huge capacity for giving to become an oncology nurse, what often surprises people is how much oncology nurses receive in return. Patients’ strength, gratitude, and authenticity fuel nurses through even the toughest days, creating a powerful bond. Who are Julie’s favorite patients? “The ones with a great sense of humor who bring gummy candies and put up with my shenanigans with a smile.”
How Do You Do It?
This is a question oncology nurses get asked a lot. A day in the life of an oncology nurse is easily misunderstood by those outside the field. People frequently assume the work is filled with sadness and hardship, asking, “How do you do it? Isn’t it all doom and gloom?”
But for those who dedicate their lives to oncology nursing, the experience is far more uplifting than most realize. It’s a profound honor to walk alongside patients during some of their most vulnerable moments—to celebrate victories, offer support through challenges, and build meaningful, lasting relationships. Over time, many patients become like family.
Meet Tim
Tim Young, RN, became an RN five years ago and feels like every day that he gets to wake up and come to work is a blessing and an accomplishment. Tim remarks, “Being a part of a patient’s journey through one of the most difficult times of their lives is beyond rewarding. It’s an honor to make such a difference in a meaningful way.”
Please Join Us This May in Thanking An Oncology Nurse!
A huge thank you goes out to Lauren, Julie, Tim, and our entire oncology nursing team for all you do for our patients and our practice! If you see an oncology nurse this month, don’t forget to give them some extra appreciation. They deserve it!