NAME:
Kelli Brittain
WHERE DO YOU WORK?
I work in Cancer Cre Services at the Royal Brisbane and Womens’ Hospital
WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT ROLE?
CNC (CCC) covering lung cancer, genitourinary cancers, and sarcoma
WHAT LED YOU TO WORKING WITHIN THE AREA OF LUNG CANCER?
I had been a NUM for many years and just loved the clinical, patient aspect of nursing. So the CNC (CCC) role was perfect. Lung cancer was the role available so I guess it chose me.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR ROLE?
I love the diversity of patients and treatments in lung cancer. It is rapidly evolving and that is very exciting. As a nurse I love being there for patients at a time when they are vulnerable. My many years of experience allow me to confidently support them. I love finding a connection with people, that focus that is not all about the CANCER. I always tell people “I speak Dr and I speak patient” and I use all the past experiences of my patients to improve my practice for the next people coming for treatment.
WHAT DO YOU FIND THE MOST CHALLENGING ABOUT YOUR ROLE?
Never ever enough time in the day. Juggling 3 tumour streams is tough but then as nurses there would never be enough time in the day, there is always something else you could do to add value to a community.
WHAT PIECE OF ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE INTERESTED IN WORKING IN THE FIELD OF LUNG CANCER?
Listen to your patients. Put yourself in their shoes (but then make sure you have some way of unwinding). Seek out others with a passion for lung cancer, ask questions, and share your knowledge.
WHAT HOBBIES / ACTIVITIES DO YOU ENJOY OUTSIDE OF WORK?
I do ballet, yoga, read, and love to cook and share my food with friends and family. My family are very important to me and we get together all the time.
My happy place is always by the water.