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CASE STUDY - MOIRA SELMES HAEMATOLOGY and Oncology Clinics of Australasia (HOCA) Gold Coast Cancer Centre nurse Moira Selmes is keen to tell patients that it’s possible to return to a normal life after cancer, and she should know.The 50 year-old, now in remission, was diagnosed and treated for cancer over the past 12 years and said she felt her own journey had strengthened her resolve to specialise in cancer nursing. “Through my experience as a patient, and a patient in remission, I feel that I can be of psychological and emotional support for newly diagnosed patients and those undergoing chemotherapy,” she said. “It is comforting when you’re going through this to have someone who knows first-hand just how harrowing a journey it can be.” Born in the United Kingdom Moira began her nursing career over 30 years ago as an intensive care nurse. She immigrated to Australia in 1990 and has since called the Gold Coast home. “I worked at Allamanda Private Hospital for 18 years in education and cardiac services and my biggest joy as a nurse comes from being able to work one-on-one with patients and in union with the doctors to facilitate better health outcomes for patients.” HOCA’s Gold Coast Cancer Centre, located in Premion Place, opened in October 2008 and Moira said it was “just the right time” to make a return to a more clinical and “hands-on” nursing role. “Within the nursing industry HOCA has a strong reputation for providing quality Oncology patient care and with the opening of the Gold Coast facility I was excited to embark on a new professional challenge.” Moira said her role at HOCA had allowed her to gain additional education in a highly specialised area of nursing while maintaining a personal approach to care. “My past experience lacked a clinical hands-on focus and I was encouraged very early to attend the HOCA Novice-to-Expert Oncology Nursing Program. I was able to gain a far greater understanding of Oncology nursing and the skills and knowledge required to perform at the high standards maintained by HOCA.“The positive environment, strong team and professional development opportunities are all highlights of working at the centre and have helped to increase my confidence and competence as I take the steps forward into cancer nursing.” Moira said she hoped to continue to work with cancer patients and maintained a positive outlook on her own health while in remission “Hopefully my own experience can continue to complement my work as a nurse and be of benefit to patients starting their treatment journey.” |
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