Health Care: Palo Alto Division

Caring for the body, nurturing the spirit

PAMF Medical Oncology Nursing

Even before Ellen Moore, R.N., OCN, received her nursing certification in 1985, she knew she wanted to work in oncology. "When I was still in school, one of my instructors placed me in an elective oncology program and I loved it right away," she recalled. After working for several years in cancer research and assisting with bone marrow transplants, Ellen joined PAMF's Department of Medical Oncology in 1992.

Today, Moore and her colleagues at PAMF oversee up to 20 chemotherapy treatments a day, five days a week. Treatments can last anywhere from 15 minutes to eight hours, so scheduling can be a challenge. But the staff always finds a way to fit patients in when they need a treatment, often working nonstop to accommodate growing volume. "This work can be very challenging and emotional, but it is also very satisfying," explained Ellen, "because at the end of the day, you know you have made a difference in somebody's life."

Patient education is an essential part of oncology nursing, especially given the complex disease processes and a multitude of new cancer drugs. "Patients typically come in for one or two consultations before their initial treatment," said Ellen. "We tell them what to expect, answer any questions, provide referrals to support groups -- whatever it takes to make them feel more at ease."

Thanks to the generosity of our donors, patients receiving infusions at PAMF can now take a "visual journey" through a fantastic trompe l'oeil mural painted by Northern California artist John Pugh. The mural was made possible by philanthropic gifts from grateful oncology patients and their families. The peaceful atmosphere of the treatment area is further enhanced by the colorful landscape photographs of the late Thomas R. Mitchell, a PAMF cancer patient for whom the Chemotherapy Suite is named. Mr. Mitchell's family donated his photographs to PAMF for other patients and their families to view and enjoy.

"Philanthropy has given us the ability to take better care of our patients," explained Ellen. "It means we can provide an environment filled with natural sunlight. A warm blanket when a patient has the chills. Soup and crackers if they're hungry. Gifts from donors enable us to do what we do even better, and help our patients get through a very difficult time in their lives. I think if people saw what we did every day, they would not hesitate to give.

"Cancer is a life-altering experience that changes your priorities," she continued. "It makes you live more for the moment. Nobody ever comes to the end of their life and wishes they had worked more. It's the relationships you have and the joy you've had in living that make the difference."

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