How important is liking the oncologist's nurse?

I am finished treatment but to me, it helped in my view to be around nurses that were sensitive to my needs.  Having cancer is a bear enough without the added work of dealing with indifference, most importantly from the medical staff that is helping to provide the treatment.

Sensitivity is a right when dealing with the public even if some nurses don't bring out the 'warm and fuzzy' in us.  If there are other nurses on site that you like, ask to see if your treatments can revolve around their schedule.  If not, it can't hurt to ask or speak with the doctor regarding the manner you're being handled.

Unless asking for your medical records are a crime, I don't believe you should be treated like a crimminal for asking for routine documents.  Those records document what a new doctor would need to see if you were to relocate, so someone will have to get over it.  Perferably them.  Either that or bring coffee; sometimes java in everyone's system helps one get through the day. 

seagan, you aren't going to want to hear this.  I love my onco, and wouldn't trade her for the world ... but it was her nurse I talked to during chemo, more than anyone else.   She was the one I was supposed to ask for, if I called the clinic switchboard.  She was the one who called me back when I had questions about my latest chemo SE.  She was the one who relayed my questions to my onco if she could not answer them herself.  (Usually, she could.)  She was always kind, patient, and understanding, as well as knowledgeable.

I wasn't too thrilled with the other people in the clinic office.  The receptionists were okay, but they dropped the ball sometimes (like the one who was supposed to schedule my DEXA bone density scan and forgot to call to tell me what day to show up).  Even the other "floor" (?) nurses--the ones who took BP and other vitals at each office visit--weren't always warm and fuzzy.

But my onco's own nurse was extraordinary.  She was very busy, and I did not see her personally at every onco visit.  But she always took the time to come over and say hi when she saw me.   She would volunteer to track down paperwork, including copies of medical reports, whenever I would ask about them.  She double-checked treatment or appointment dates, if I had any doubts.  And, although she wasn't a chemo (infusion) nurse, she was in the infusion room on my last day of chemo, so she got to participate in the traditional "Last Day of Chemo" song and dance.

At my last follow-up, which was 8 months after finising chemo, she saw me at the cashier's window and came over to say hi.  She grinned really big, and exclaimed, "You've got HAIR!!!".

OTOH, while your comfort and sanity might depend on your onco's nurse, your life and health depend more on the credentials and relationship you have with your onco. 

otter

Interestingly enough, in the Spring Edition of Women and Cancer there is a wonderful article Uncommon Bonds: Oncology Nurses and Patients.

I feel for me, my relationship with my chemo nurse, Lynn, and the onc's other nurse, Alexis (who I dubbed "Sexy Lexie" and she dubbed me "NOT plain Jane" made a huge difference in my entire experience with my onc's office, my chemo, my questions, my scheduling of tests, prescriptions, etc.  Those ladies really gave me a feeling that they cared about me, wanted to assist with any problems, and I was free to call or e-mail them (which I find so much easier instead of playing phone tag) at any time when I needed them.

I just cannot imagine having gone through that all with out their support and care.

I agree with Hool.... if you like the Oncologist then give the nurses a second chance. Usually the nurses who work Oncologoy are really nice.

However they are all really busy, plus it's a bit of a high pressure job as you've got to be CERTAIN that the folks in their chairs are doing OK. You have to be moving bags around, monitoring side effects, queuing up the next thing. Then you've got to be lining up tomorrow's chair folks - have their drugs been ordered properly, did they come in for their blood work.....

I think I might give someone who was short with me on the phone a break, because they're pretty busy with today's customers.

That said, have you found out what the protocol in the office is? Our place had a nurse-supervisor and then the Onc nurses. The supervisor was often helpful. The LPN or receptionist answered the phone and she was helpful within her scope, which was limited.

Sometimes it helps to know what their hours are and what days they're really busy so you can avoid those days. Perhaps they can tell you a good time to call in with low-priority requests -yes, in an Oncologist office asking for copies of tests is low-priority for a phone call as compared with people with side-effects, complications, crisis.... Maybe if you can establish how that office likes to handle paperwork and other things you can feel better about their service.

I think the nurses in the oncologist office are EXTREMELY important - you'll be seeing them more than the oncologist himself!

I loved my first oncologist - he was compassionate and had a sense of humor. However, his nurse practitioner (who was also my infusion nurse) had an "edge" or attitude that I didn't like at all. She joked at my expense and more importantly, didn't follow through on my onc's instructions - she worked with him for so many years, I think she thought SHE had all the answers and didn't always check with him. Because of this (and a sign in her office that read "pull up your big girl panties and DEAL with it") and because of the distance to travel to their office every two weeks for an entire year, I decided to switch to an oncologist closer to my house. I LOVE the nurses there (even though the onc himself doesn't have much personality) - especially my infusion nurse who is always kind and respectful and on top of all my paperwork.

Although it would be exceedinly helpful and reassuring to like the Onc. nurse, the dr. is more important.  He/she will plan your treatment to fight the cancer.  My b/c surgeon had a really strange unfeeling nurse. It made a frightening situation worse,  but I knew the time spent with the surgeon is less than with the onc. You will want to be somewhere where you feel nurtured.  However, if your onc. is the best one in your area you may need to prioritize.  If you stay there, as hard as it is, you could heighten the nurses' awareness.  Call them out on their behavior.   Do it in a way where you say something to the effect of, have I done something to offend you?  You are a strong, intelligent woman and you absolutely can speak up for yourself.  You need it and deserve it.  We are breast cancer survivors.  We are strong and articulate, we know what we deserve.  If this helps, remember that you may also be helping the other patients!  Speak up!