Cancer Nurses
Nursing at Ochsner is a critical element in the care of the cancer patient. Clinical research, patient education, direct bedside care and chemotherapy administration are just a few of the roles of the oncology nurse. Patient care is provided through collaboration between staff from nursing, pharmacy, social services, dietary services and rehabilitation services. Many of our nurses are recognized as Oncology Certified Nurses by the Oncology Nursing Society.
All issues related to the nursing care of cancer patients are discussed monthly at our Oncology Nursing Council. This committee is charged with ensuring the continuity of care throughout the Ochsner system. Oncology nurse representatives from all departments participate in the council, including inpatient, outpatient, pediatric oncology, surgical oncology, radiation oncology, and research, as well as a representative from nursing education. The development and revision of policies and procedures, along with patient education tools, are the responsibility of the Oncology Nursing Council and reflect Ochsner’s multidisciplinary approach to providing continuity of care.
Numerous opportunities exist for continuing education, which further enhance the clinical expertise of our oncology nurses. One example is the Oncology Nursing Journal Club, which meets approximately six times a year. Pertinent research articles are reviewed and critiqued with the assistance of a nursing professor from a local university.
Nutritional Support
Registered dieticians are available to assess individual needs and to work with the cancer patient and his or her family to develop strategies to meet the nutritional requirements necessary for healing and well-being.
A registered dietician is assigned to Radiation Oncology to provide in-depth, individualized assessment for all new patients and ongoing support for patients as they go through the course of radiation therapy. Maintaining nutritional standards is of particular concern for patients undergoing radiation therapy for cancer of the head or neck, chest or gastrointestinal tract.
The Ochsner dietitians also participate in The Breast Cancer Information and Support Group, providing nutritional tips and counseling on meal planning.
Oncology Social Work Services
The Ochsner Cancer Institute employs certified oncology social workers who provide a full array of services for hospitalized and clinic cancer patients and their families. These services include counseling and crisis intervention, providing information and referrals to community resources; and discharge planning (such as arranging for home health care, hospice and durable medical equipment.) Oncology social workers and Nurses coordinate three Cancer Support Groups which are held monthly for patients with all types of cancer, their families and friends: the General Cancer, Breast Cancer and Prostate Cancer Support Groups. Interested patients and care givers can call 842-3708 and ask to speak to a social worker for more information about the groups or to be placed on the mailing list. These groups are free and open to the cancer community.
Three Cancer Support Groups are held monthly for patients with all types of cancer, their families and friends: the General Cancer, Breast Cancer and Prostate Cancer Support Groups. See below for schedule.
The General Cancer Support Group is open to adults, 18 and over, cancer patients and their care givers. Participation in the group is available not only to Ochsner cancer patients but also to cancer patients from the larger community. The format of the group consists of lecture followed by a supportive group discussion. Topics focus on the needs and interests of cancer patients and their families. The discussion is facilitated by an Oncology certified social worker and nurse. Refreshments are provided and parking is free.
Location and time:
Ochsner Medical Center Brent House meeting rooms. First Thursday of every month, 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. (504) 842-3708 for more information or to have your name placed on the mailing list for this group.
Four times per year in the months of January, June, September and December, the General Cancer Support Group, the Breast Cancer, & the Prostate Cancer groups meet as one combined group (marked with * in the Calendar below.)
GENERAL Cancer Support Group 2009
6:00 - 7:30 PM Cardiology Conference Rm (3rd Floor, Main Clinic
Parking is Complimentary
March 5th
April 2nd
May 7th
June 11th*
June 11th*
September 10th*
December 3rd*
*denotes Combined Group
2009 Breast Cancer Support Group
6:00 - 7:30 PM Tansey Breast Ctr. (1st Floor, Resource Room, Across the street from Main Clinic, behind Pediatric Bldg.)
Parking is Complimentary
The Breast Cancer Information and Support Group is offered free to all breast cancer patients and their support persons. The two-hour group meets every month. During the first hour, a guest speaker makes a presentation on a topic such as diagnostic mammograms, relaxation techniques or the controversy surrounding hormone therapy after breast cancer. A fashion show or a demonstration of upper arm exercises or other topics chosen by the group add variety and humor to the programs. The second hour is a group discussion, often triggered by the theme of the speaker, but ranging afield to the influence of cancer on relationships, family life and personal goals. Parking is free and refreshments are provided.
Four times per year in the months of January, June, September and December, the General Cancer Support Group, the Breast Cancer, & the Prostate Cancer groups meet as one combined group (marked with * in the Calendar below.)
Feb. 10th
Mar 10th
Apr 14th
May 12th
July 14th
Aug 11th
Oct. 13th
Nov. 10th
June 11th*
September 10th*
December 3rd*
*denotes Combined Groups
Locations:
The Lieselotte Tansey Breast Center (across Jefferson Highway from the Ochsner Clinic Foundation Main Campus): Second Tuesday of every month, 6:00-7:30 pm; (504) 842-3708
Ochsner Medical Center: Second Tuesday of every month, 6:30-8:30 pm; (504) 842-3708
Ochsner Clinic Baton Rouge : First Tuesday of every month, 6:30-8:30 pm; (225) 761-5296
2009 Prostate Support Group
6:00 - 7:30 PM
Parking is Complimentary
The Prostate Cancer Support Group targets men who have a diagnosis of prostate cancer and encourages spouses/significant others to attend as well. The group meets the 2nd Thursday evening of every month and is structured to present a speaker every other month while allowing for group interaction on alternative months. Group members suggest topics of interest. The group is professionally led by a Masters prepared Social Worker and two Urology Nurses. US TOO, a non-profit organization, provides information by specialists in the various fields related to prostate cancer such as surgery, radiation, medicine, nutrition and psychology. Refreshments and free parking are provided. The group is free and open to all prostate cancer patients and their support persons.
Location and time:
Ochsner Medical Center Brent House meeting rooms. Second Thursday of every month, 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. (504) 842-3708 for more information or to have your name placed on the mailing list for this group.
Four times per year in the months of January, June, September and December, the General Cancer Support Group, the Breast Cancer, & the Prostate Cancer groups meet as one combined group (marked with * in the Calendar below.)
January 8th*
February 12th
March 12th
April 9th
May 14th
June 11th*
July 16th
August 13th
September 10th*
October 8th
November 12th
December 3rd*
*denotes Combined Group
