Kylie and Brittany join us again to discuss the emotional hazards we face as oncology doctors and nurses. We discuss the challenge of being self-aware of our emotional state as oncology doctors and why it’s okay for nurses to ‘check in’ with physicians when the physician is experiencing symptoms of compassion fatigue. We discuss how opening communication pathways between physicians and nurses can help reduce and mitigate frustration and aggravation in the workplace. We also discuss the least helpful traits physicians and nurses can have and the stereotypical traits many nurses have that doctors admire most.

At the age of 14, Brittany Cook delivered her niece on her bathroom floor while on the phone with 911. Since then, she knew she wanted a career that allowed her to help people. After graduating high school, she decided to attend NorthEast Wisconsin Technical School to earn her Associate’s degree in Nursing, then began working as a Critical Care Nurse at various hospitals. She worked in this role for many years before deciding to shift her career path to becoming an oncology nurse. Today, Brittany focuses her career on helping cancer patients as Green Bay Oncology’s Care Manager.

For nearly 5 years, Kylie Thews has dedicated her career to helping cancer patients receive treatment and care. As one of Green Bay Oncology’s Infusion nurses, she has helped countless patients receive the care and treatment they deserve. Kylie is a Registered Nurse and Oncology Nurse with a Bachelor’s degree in Rehabilitation Psychology from the University of Wisconsin as well as a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing from Rasmussen College. Following her education, Kylie worked at Gilda’s Club, where she quickly realized she wanted to work at a healthcare facility that allowed her to be hands-on in treating cancer patients. Kylie’s unwavering devotion and passion eventually led her to receive the esteemed 2019 Green Bay Oncology Karen Klarkowski Education Award.

“Sometimes the right thing to do is to be a pain in somebody’s ass.”

– Mitch Winkler

This week on Cancer Covered:

• The emotional hazards of being an oncology doctor or nurse
  
• Why it’s sometimes difficult for doctors to be self-aware of their emotional state
  
• Checking in with physicians showing symptoms of compassion fatigue
  
• Understanding negativity bias
  
• Physician and nurse traits we believe are least helpful
  
• Dealing with doctors that undermine your nursing education
  
• Why do doctors assume nurses ask questions without reason
  
• Stereotypical traits doctors have that many nurses wish they had, and vice versa
  

Resources Mentioned:

• Book: Creating a Drama-Free Workplace: The Insider’s Guide to Managing Conflict, Incivility & Mistrust by Anna Maravelas
  

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