Oncology nurse Kaithy writes a tribute to a NUM who made a real impact upon her practice and her life.
“What’s in a name? That which we call a rose
By any other name would smell as sweet;”
~ Shakespeare (Romeo and Juliet)
And so, I ask: “What’s in a NUM?” Indeed, what is the clinical divide that often separates the nurses working on the floor with their nursing unit manager? Have you ever encountered a NUM who checks drugs with you, who calls on every new patient, who passionately builds up a nursing team for an entire new unit in a new hospital, and who doesn’t take for granted that you have a life outside of work?
Just over a year ago, I met her. Let’s call her Cheryl. The clinical context is a day oncology and infusions centre. Cheryl welcomed me with open arms despite my knowledge of oncology being an approximated measly 5%. I interviewed well I was told, I already possessed many clinical skills that others may not have, and I was definitely keen to learn. Cheryl made me work hard each day that I was at work. In fact, I learnt 2 years’ worth of oncology nursing in just 6 months. I had to prove my worth, no doubt about that, but I even surprised myself. On the side line though, there was always Cheryl. Unlike other NUMs, she believed in me. She knew that I knew how to be the best cancer nurse that I could be, and she was there to provide constant support and guidance, with some reproach too of course. Cheryl is fair. She treats every nurse the same, and presumes competence in them.
Cheryl taught me to be human as an oncology nurse very early on. She cried with a palliative patient in front of me. She lost sleep thinking about a patient’s progress or distress. Many times, she acted as the patient’s advocate regardless of what other healthcare professionals wanted or thought they knew the patient wanted. No, it was always about the patient, and that truly, is what makes a great nurse an extraordinary one. Cheryl is not just our NUM, but also our colleague. She is understanding when we needed it, and she is strict when we needed it too. There is very little margin for error in oncology without adverse effects for the patient, and as such, we strive to be perfect. Many a nurse would know that there is no such thing as perfect. We each make mistakes in our clinical practice. Cheryl reprimands you when that happens, but she separates you as a person from your erroneous act. We always end up learning from our mistakes, and this is what consistently improves our patient care.
Each member of our nursing team was sourced from different clinical backgrounds: oncology, haematology, stroke/neurology, allergy/immunology, medical infusions, midwifery, cardiology, endocrinology, community care, medical procedures and day surgery. Cheryl brought out the best in all of us. She valued the skills and knowledge that each nurse brought with them and utilised that to create a collaborative team that is united in our passion for quality cancer care. We each have had personal disasters in our lives too, and Cheryl provides that understanding, nurture and empathy that few NUMs possess. It is with this unique set of leadership skills that we can then emanate the same for our patients. Sadly, Cheryl is now leaving us to take on a position elsewhere. We will all miss her and her leadership dearly. She has indeed taught us to care for our patients and for each other.
Much love, thankfulness and respect. Be like Cheryl.
Is there a nurse or midwife that inspires you? Share your story by emailing us on lamp@nswnma.asn.au