The Oncology Nurse Who Puts Things on Hold to Connect With Patients With Cancer

I would like to nominate a fellow nurse for her contribution to nursing in lung cancer. I have worked with Victoria Frazier-Warmack, D.N.P., M.S.N., RN, OCN, for six years, and she is the epitome of an extraordinary oncology nurse. She was the first person to hug and welcome me to the unit (obviously pre-COVID-19). She has always been warm and welcoming to everyone she encounters, especially our patients and their loved ones.

Victoria started her career in health care as a transporter over 40 years ago and has been an oncology nurse for 39.5 years. She is very proud to say oncology is what she has always done. Victoria is a champion for an exceptional patient experience with each and every encounter. Her patients request her and are willing to wait to be treated by her because of her gentle demeanor and vast knowledge base. If she is unavailable, they will ask that she at least stop by to speak to them.

Victoria is an infusion nurse who has treated all specialties within oncology because she has a passion for knowledge. Obtaining her DNP has not pulled her away from chair-side care because it's where the patients are. Victoria is known to pause the established workflow and simply give the patients their much-needed time to be supported. She literally puts everything on hold to make special connections with patients when it's needed most. Victoria is selfless and will attempt to skip lunch to continue patient care on a regular basis. She has changed her off days and even came in to care for patients who need some of her special skills and kindness. This includes holding their hands as a comfort measure or crying with them because of her massively empathetic heart. She frequently does follow-up calls to touch base and check on “her people.”

We are blessed to work with such a devoted nurse who has — for multiple years — had perfect attendance as a testimony to loving what she does.

Editor’s Note: This is an essay submitted by Shereea Seals, RN, for the 2021 Extraordinary Healer Award. Click here to read more about CURE®’s Extraordinary Healer® Award for Oncology Nursing event on April 30, 2021.

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