At the Vancouver Centre, you will be cared for by registered nurses (RN) who have received additional education in cancer care. Many of our nurses have achieved the designation of Certified Oncology Nurses in Canada (CON(C)).

The oncology nurse has a significant role in helping individuals and family members cope with the many stresses of being ill. The nurses teach, advise, counsel and support cancer patients and their families to understand and manage the treatments and side effects. Nurses are involved in administering cancer treatments such as chemotherapy. Nurses will assist you in managing problems such as nausea, fatigue, skin care, pain or constipation. Whatever stage of cancer or treatment you are in, the nurses will be there to assess and help you cope with the illness.

The nurse will refer your care to community supports, such as home care, and will ensure that there is communication with nurses in the community, where you may receive some of your care, in order that your care may be uninterrupted and comprehensive. Your nurse is a key information source, and can answer many of your questions.

Ambulatory Care
When you come to the centre, you will be assigned to an Oncology Primary Nurse. This nurse has received additional education in cancer care that includes knowledge and skill related to your specific type of cancer. She/he works with the oncologists and other members of the care team to offer you services you require. The Oncology Primary Nurse will assess your current state of health, and with you and the doctor, will determine the plan of care. She/he will coordinate your care with other health professionals, and ensure that services are available to you, such as nutrition, counselling, teaching or home care support.

The Oncology Primary Nurse may call you at home to find out how you are managing the treatments; or you may call her if you are concerned about symptoms or side effects. She/he will offer advice or refer you to the oncologist.

The goal of the Oncology Primary Nurse is to help individuals and family members adjust to and cope well with the stresses of having cancer. Please let us know how we can help you.

Ambulatory Care Chemotherapy Unit (ACCU)
Chemotherapy treatments are given by registered nurses who work in ACCU. These nurses have intensive education to support their practice and care delivery. The nurses work closely with the Pharmacists and Oncologists to ensure that your treatments are accurate and given in a timely way, in accordance with the protocols. The nurses will teach you about the treatments, drugs used and side effects, in order to ensure that you have information to support you during your treatments. They will help you to manage side effects, and will refer you to other professionals, as needs arise.

Operating Room, Day Care Unit
There are specialty units at the Vancouver Centre, such as the Operating Room, Recovery Room and Day Care, where certified nurses offer unique care and services. You can be assured that they work closely with the oncologists, radiation therapists, pharmacists, counsellors and other members of the interdisciplinary team to coordinate care and ensure that patient needs are met.