NAME:
Elizabeth Jensen
WHERE DO YOU WORK?
GenesisCare Oncology Bundaberg Radiation Oncology
WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT ROLE?
Nurse Unit Manager
WHAT LED YOU TO WORKING WITHIN THE AREA OF LUNG CANCER?
I graduated in 1989, chose to start my nursing career in Oncology and never left! After a few years I decided to specialise in Palliative Care and have been privileged to support many patients with Lung Cancer (and their families) during treatment, symptom management and end of life care.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR ROLE?
With over 30 years’ experience in Oncology Nursing, I feel confident and competent to look after patients and their families with complex needs. I enjoy being able to work within a Multidisciplinary Team, influence growth and development of the Nursing Team, partner with external healthcare providers and support the holistic needs of the patient with lung cancer.
WHAT DO YOU FIND THE MOST CHALLENGING ABOUT YOUR ROLE?
I work in a small town in Regional Central Queensland. It can be difficult to recruit nursing staff into the specialty of Radiation Oncology. When we get the right team fit, I believe it is very worthwhile I provide the support and training opportunities to keep them engaged, happy and motivated to stay. I am required to work clinically alongside my management role. This can be challenging, but it also provides me with the opportunity to remain patient focused and present with the Nursing Team.
WHAT PIECE OF ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE INTERESTED IN WORKING IN THE FIELD OF LUNG CANCER?
Do your own research. Look at various websites. For example- Â Cancer Council Australia, Palliative Care Australia, and Lung Foundation Australia. Reach out to your nursing colleagues for their advice and suggestions. Join ANZ-LCNF to improve knowledge and awareness. Find out if your local community have a Lung Support Nurse available to talk to and explore career opportunities. Seek out a fundraising or community event being coordinated for Lung Cancer and get involved. Be part of the wave of committed and dedicated health professionals and academics strive to improve health outcomes of patients living with Lung Cancer and do it!
WHAT HOBBIES / ACTIVITIES DO YOU ENJOY OUTSIDE OF WORK?
I work hard to balance my busy work life with good food, company, exercise, and family. I need to live by the water, walk the beach daily and find creative ways to feed my soul to re energise, rest and recover. I like to maintain a spiritual being to the land I am connected to. I am open to new ways of learning and developing to be the best Nurse Manager and person I can be to my patients, the team I manage and wider Multidisciplinary Team so I will give most things a go!