What I Love About Being a Nurse

AON Nurses Share Their Thoughts in Honor of Nurses Week

It is not a shock to report that nursing is the nation’s largest healthcare profession and is expected to grow by over 203,000 new nurses each year through 2031, according to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing’s Nursing Fact Sheet.¹ Nurses are also among the most trusted profession, securing the number one spot for honesty and ethics.²

“Nurses deliver great value to physicians and patients, and this is no different for our AON practices,” said AON Chief Medical Officer Dr. Stephen “Fred” Divers.

“Our nurses are well-educated and compassionate and bring a level of care that makes an incredible difference for our patients who are facing a challenging journey. While Nurses Week is only recognized once a year, we collectively share our gratitude for our nurses — and nurses everywhere — for their hard work and dedication to their patients.”

In honor of Nurses Week 2023, employees across the network shared why they decided to pursue a career in nursing and why they love what they do:

Amber Beeler, RN
Aerian Sleeseman, RN
DESERT HEMATOLOGY ONCOLOGY

"We became oncology nurses to serve this community of amazing people who need extra love and comfort. No one deserves to fight alone. We are committed to fight alongside them through laughter, encouragement and positivity. We feel we just belong here.”

Babette Biernat, RN
MICHIGAN CANCER SPECIALISTS

"It is the personal bond you establish with patients and their families — offering them hope and encouragement — as they face this serious illness. This, to me, is the most satisfying aspect of oncology nursing and is, in itself, the greatest reward.”

Logan Boyette, LPN
LOW COUNTRY CANCER CARE

"I empathize with my patients with whatever situation they encounter. Our patients become family as we share laughter, tears and hugs during the challenging times in their lives.”

Kimberlyn W. Brooks, BSN, RN, OCN
HEMATOLOGY ONCOLOGY CLINIC

"I am blessed to be able to care for such an amazing group of patients, from diagnosis to remission, or even to death. They are courageous, strong, caring and compassionate. I am living my God-given purpose.”

Kathleen Glendenning, RN
HEMATOLOGY ONCOLOGY CENTER

"My job as a clinical nurse manager is to make sure that the patient is the number one priority. I am blessed to work with all those at HOC and truly enjoy my job. AON has been wonderful to work for, and they are always focused on the patient first.”

Amy Hoerr, RN, OCN
CANCER & BLOOD SPECIALISTS OF ARIZONA

"Being an oncology nurse is the most challenging, humbling, heartwarming and rewarding career. I wouldn’t change it for the world. It’s all I’ve ever known to be honest. I had leukemia as a child and so hospitals and doctor offices became a part of my normal everyday life. So, you see, I never really chose oncology. Oncology chose me.”

Allie Kensler, BSN, RN, OCN
ZANGMEISTER CANCER CENTER

"The patients and families I take care of are very special to me, and helping them through one of the hardest times of their life is beyond rewarding.”

Ann Kleintop, BSN, RN, OCN
MESSINO CANCER CENTERS

"I am in awe of what my patients trust me to do every day and feel blessed to be able to share in their lives. I have been in oncology my entire nursing career and don’t know of anything else I would rather do. I absolutely love my job!”

Lacey Landry, RN
HEMATOLOGY ONCOLOGY CLINIC

"The bond I have with my patients is like no other and to be a light in the darkest time of someone’s life is special to me. I believe I was meant to be in this position for a reason and to wake up every morning knowing I am right where I need to be is a blessing.”

Katie Szeligo, RN, OCN
ZANGMEISTER CANCER CENTER

"Oncology is one of the most difficult specialties to work in but truly one of the most rewarding. Cancer patients are facing a terrifying diagnosis and require a lot of compassion and guidance. I love trying to be that for people. Cancer is a difficult journey, and I hope that I can help make that journey just a little easier.”

Kris Terrill, BSN, RN
HEMATOLOGY ONCOLOGY OF INDIANA

"The stories, lessons and blessings that my patients have given me over the past 26 years are the reasons I have stayed in oncology, where lifechanging experiences happen every day."

Brianna Warren, RN
MESSINO CANCER CENTERS

"I love oncology nursing because I get to spend time with my patients. It’s a great feeling to hear patient stories and connect with them and know you can be a bright spot in their day.”

Kandis Shumaker, BSN, OCN
MESSINO CANCER CENTERS

"What I love about oncology nursing is I get to help my patients journey through the hardest thing in their life. These wonderful patients have taught me to appreciate not just the golden moments in life but also the gut-wrenching times too because every day is a gift.”

References:

1. American Association of Colleges of Nursing (n.d.). Nursing Fact Sheet. Retrieved May 24, 2023, from Nursing Fact Sheet. (n.d.). www.aacnnursing.org. https://www.aacnnursing.org/ news-data/fact-sheets/nursing-fact-sheet#:~:text=Nursing %20is%20the%20nation.

2. Brenan, M. (2023, January 10). Nurses Retain Top Ethics Rating in U.S., but Below 2020 High. Retrieved May 24, 2023, from https://news.gallup.com/poll/467804/nurses-retaintop-ethics-rating-below-2020-high.aspx.

3. PBS (2023, March 16). Pandemic burnout worsens nursing shortages in hospitals across U.S. PBS News Hour. Retrieved May 24, 2023, from https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/ pandemic-burnout-worsens-nursing-shortages-in-hospitalsacross-u-s#:~:text=had%2C%20each%20nurse.-,The%20 national%20nursing%20shortage%20dates%20back%20 decades%2C%20but%20the%20COVID,are%20pleading%20 for%20more%20support.