I have had the amazing opportunity to once again attend our local MN Association of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Nurses (APHON) conference. CLI has been supporting APHON for the past 5+ years, and have found it extremely rewarding. Being able to connect with health care professionals and educate individuals on sperm banking is extremely important.
As mentioned on their website, APHON is made up of pediatric hematology/oncology nurses and health care professionals. Its members are dedicated to providing optimal nursing care for children, adolescents and young adults with cancer and blood disorders. APHON provides leadership and expertise to pediatric hematology/oncology nurses by defining and promoting the highest standards of practice and care to the pediatric, adolescent and young adult communities.You can read more about what the MN chapter is up to here http://metromnaphon.org or visit the national organization’s webpage here http://www.aphon.org.
These professionals work tirelessly for the patients and families of sick children, and are the calming force in the patients care. Minnesota’s chapter of APHON is celebrating its 20th year in 2013 and received a prestigious grant providing them the opportunity to bring in a very decorated RN to open the conference. Deborah Boyle, RN, MSN, AOCND, FAAN is fundamentally a patient and family educator; and a very good one I must add. She spoke with such passion and conviction; discussing how oncology professionals wear multiple hats. Not only are they responsible for patient care, but they are also on the front lines of educating and providing emotional support for the patients and family. They also help families to prepare for what life has in store for them next. Debi was able to share many personal experiences from her tenure as a nurse. While not all her stories had happy endings, they did all highlight how important a personal touch is. Being able to relate to patients and show compassion, having the skills to discuss the hard topics and yet maintain professionalism.
Her message resonated with me on multiple levels. Typically by the time patients arrive to CLI to bank their sperm, they have been through a whirlwind already. Sperm banking for some patients is the last thing on their mind. I feel as I too have a responsibility to continue on the exceptional care path. The staff at CLI handle all patients with compassion and integrity. Each situation is different and it is important to be able to convey the facts without providing false hope. My hope is that by the time they leave our office, they feel as if they were well cared for and that they are able to approach us with any questions or concerns.
“It is one of the most beautiful compensations of life, that no man can sincerely try to help another without helping himself” ~Ralph Waldo Emerson
