Julie Smith, MBA/MHSM, B.S.N., RN, OCN

The nursing profession is home to countless extraordinary individuals who possess the skills, knowledge and compassion necessary to provide high-quality care to patients every day. Among these dedicated professionals, there is a special group of nurses who have committed their careers to cancer care. These nurses exhibit exceptional empathy and strength, guiding individuals through some of the most challenging stages of life. They are grateful to share in the precious moments of overcoming significant clinical obstacles, as well as providing comfort during the final moments of life. Within this group, some rare healers possess not only the necessary skills and characteristics for caring for oncology patients but also a unique presence that impacts everyone around them. Their palpable essence goes beyond standard nursing care; they bring a sense of calm to our minds and peace to our souls.

It is an honor to introduce you to one of these rare healers. As a young girl in rural East Texas, Ann Foster, BSN, RN, OCN, grew up determined to become a nurse one day. She admired the white dresses and crisp nursing cap uniforms. After graduating high school in 1965, her dream \was to enroll in a nursing program, but lacking money, she got a job working as a bookkeeper in a local home and auto store instead. Ann excelled and eventually became the store manager for 15 years until she started a new job at Texas Furniture in 1990.

Ann’s life took a significant turn with new challenges when her family encountered the world of oncology. In 1991, her husband was diagnosed with esophageal cancer, and their lives quickly started on an unfamiliar journey. This experience drained their family’s time, energy, finances, and emotions. Throughout this difficult period, Ann received tremendous support from her employer, Texas Furniture, which allowed her to travel back and forth to The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston for her husband’s clinical trial. She received great comfort from the nursing team, who consistently went above and beyond to provide the best possible care. Ann was profoundly grateful for the dedication and compassion shown by the nurses during her husband’s treatment.

Unfortunately, despite their efforts, the cancer treatments were unsuccessful, and her husband passed away in 1992, just four months after his diagnosis. It was his 48th birthday. Ann was only 44 years old when she became a widow. After taking some time to grieve, Ann realized that she still had much of her own life to live. She reflected on her journey and prayed for guidance on how to move forward one day at a time. Through her prayers, she felt inspired to return to school and pursue her childhood dream of becoming a nurse. Her supporters at Texas Furniture were encouraging and flexible, allowing her to work while attending night classes.

Ann successfully tested out of many courses and quickly enrolled in the licensed vocational nurse (LVN) program. Despite being busy with her family, working part-time at the furniture store and starting her new health care career as an LVN, she set a goal to achieve her Registered Nurse (RN) degree by her 50th birthday. Ann diligently worked toward this goal and ultimately obtained her RN degree.

With the encouragement of a friend, Ann began working at a hospital in Paris, Texas, and gaining proficiency as a registered nurse. Although she appreciated the flexible schedule and experience in various departments, she hoped to eventually join the very special subset of oncology nurses and serve patients with the same grace given to her late husband.

Ann’s passion for cancer care came to fruition when she was recruited to Texas Oncology. Ann bonded with her new professional family, and she has excelled in learning every area of the cancer center, progressing into a senior position, and thriving as an oncology certified nurse (OCN). Almost 22 years later, Ann continues working with the Texas Oncology team as one of the center’s highest-performing, most well-respected, compassionate nurses.

Her oncology colleagues and providers were more than willing to share their impressions and feedback when discussing Ann and her service as a nurse: 

“There is not a more deserving person to nominate for the 2025 Extraordinary Healer Award than Ann Foster! ... She is constant. And by that, I mean she gives her all, all the time, and you can count on it. And it has been this way from day one. She brings true empathy and insight into her care for patients. She can run circles around all of us. She will help in every area of the clinic, and most of the time does it before she is even asked. She is a true treasure, and we are all blessed she is a part of our team and our family.” — Tricia, B.S.N., RN, OCN 

“As a co-worker, I look up to her as a nurse, a mom and a person. She has so much knowledge and willingness to share her knowledge. When I was out of the office for an extended time, she called several times to check on me. She brought food to my house so that I wouldn’t have to cook and my kids were fed. I like to call her ‘Momma Foster.’ She is the person who will be there for patients and her co-workers, whether it’s a shoulder to cry on or a needed kick in the butt. She is a wonderful person. I am privileged to work with her and call her a friend.” — Savanha, LVN, radiation oncology 

“I am new to Texas Oncology, and Ann has been very helpful to me. She is very hard-working and full of energy! First one here and usually the last one out. Always has a smile on her face! The patients all love her and have made connections with her over the years. Plus, she also makes the best chocolate cake ever!!” — Nancy, medical assistant 

“I have had the pleasure of seeing Ann as both a co-worker and a patient. The first time I met Ann, I was a patient. From the moment she called my name in the waiting room, she was warm, caring and very thorough in her assessment. She put me at ease and made me feel like a person and not just another patient. As a co-worker, I watch her continue to make our patients feel at ease and comfortable every single day. She is the first to arrive and the last to leave. She follows up, and I know that she will not only complete a task but exceed what is expected. She cares for each one of her patients with compassion and sensitivity. Ann doesn’t just check on me as a co-worker — she really cares about how I am. Her mood is always good and stable. She does not overreact or underreact. There is a quiet calm that she brings to her patients and co-workers. She is knowledgeable, has a true gift and is beyond a valuable member of the team. We are so blessed to have her in our lives!” — Ginger, FNP-BC 

“As a new provider to the team, I have experienced her support firsthand as I have transitioned to a new health care setting. Despite a very busy clinic schedule she is always approachable and pleasant and maintains her professionalism. She has an extremely giving heart and it is evident by the work she does and the passion she has for providing superior quality care to our patient population. I feel honored to be on her team.” — Teresa, M.S., APRN, AGNP-C, ACHPN

“I am always impressed by how she treats everyone with the same respect and a positive attitude. She genuinely embodies the company’s spirit and our core values in everything she does and inspires us all to do the same! I always enjoy working with Ann because I know we can rely on each other to get the job done. She is an expert in the field. I always enjoy learning from her. She is so positive and has a great sense of humor! — Vanessa, medical assistant 

“I cannot thank Ann enough for all her expertise and knowledge. She is so willing to help on every level. She is the first one at work and the last one out of the building most days. She has helped me immensely over the years. She is always patient, kind and willing to teach patient care to new employees.” — Caryn, FNP-C

“I can truly say for the past 20 years that Ann has worked for me, there is not a day that goes by that I am not reminded how grateful I am to have her on my team. We have been through a lot of ups and downs, but the calming presence that has been consistent through it all is Ann Foster.” — Trudy, nurse manager

Ann has many patient stories that have touched her heart over the years. One notable example is a high school friend who came to the center for treatment. The patient’s son-in-law was also diagnosed with colon cancer. The whole family was extremely grateful to have a kind and familiar face guiding them through their cancer journeys. Ann went above and beyond to help ensure the son-in-law survived long enough to see his first grandchild. She understands the importance of keeping her patients out of the hospital and at home with their loved ones. Ann values her patients’ trust in her nursing care and strives to make each patient feel special. Many people in the community seek care at the cancer center and already know her from personal connections or her previous career.

Additionally, Ann still does the bookkeeping at Texas Furniture on Saturdays. She is loyal to the local store, which has been a pillar for her during significant personal and professional milestones over the past several decades. Ann does not boast about being the best oncology nurse. Instead, she expresses her gratitude to God for granting her the knowledge and skills to care for cancer patients. Because she became a nurse later in life as a second career, Ann possesses a unique perspective on gratitude. She is thankful for her abilities and appreciates the opportunity to come to work each day.

Ironically, even though she has been nominated for recognition, Ann does not refer to herself as a “healer.” She tells her patients that she cannot guarantee healing; she knows that sometimes a cure is not possible. However, she assures them that she will support their wishes, promote their quality of life and provide the highest level of treatment to the best of her ability.

Ann is truly exceptional. In my role, I have the opportunity to meet many nurses across Texas. During a recent site visit to the Paris location, I conducted individual staff rounding sessions with all the members of the nursing services team. I often ask, “Who would you like to recognize? Who has helped you in your work or gone above and beyond for their patients recently?” I typically collect the feedback to share with the managers or to write thank-you notes to those mentioned. During this visit, all the team members recounted specific instances where they felt recognition was deserved, and the name that came up most frequently was Ann Foster. It was clear to me that this nurse deserves more than just a thank-you note. After conducting further interviews and learning more about Ann’s life story, I feel compelled to highlight her exemplary service. Ann is highly regarded as a role model for her team, demonstrating expert knowledge, an outstanding work ethic and inspiring qualities. She is beloved by her patients for the genuine kindness and compassion she displays in her daily care. Furthermore, her tireless passion for providing care is evident in her family legacy, as her son completed his pharmacy degree and her daughter has become an accomplished nurse practitioner.

I am very proud of Ann and grateful to know her. Our team and patients are fortunate to have the privilege of working with her and benefiting from all she has contributed to our nursing staff and the cancer community. I appreciate the opportunity to nominate Ann, and I thank you for considering her for the Extraordinary Healer Award for Oncology Nursing.

Articles

Ann Foster, a dedicated oncology nurse, exemplifies compassion and resilience in cancer care. Her journey began after her husband's battle with esophageal cancer, inspiring her to pursue nursing. Despite personal challenges, Ann achieved her RN degree and excelled in oncology, becoming a respected figure at Texas Oncology. Her colleagues and patients praise her empathy, dedication, and expertise. Ann's unique perspective, shaped by her late entry into nursing, enhances her ability to connect with patients. Her story highlights the profound impact of compassionate care in oncology nursing.

The nursing profession is home to countless extraordinary.

Julie Smith, MBA/MHSM, B.S.N., RN, OCN

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