NAME:
Lynley Gulasekharam
WHERE DO YOU WORK?
Palmerston North Hospital, New Zealand
WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT ROLE?
CNS lung Cancer Care Coordinator
WHAT LED YOU TO WORKING WITHIN THE AREA OF LUNG CANCER?
I was approached by the Nurse Practitioner in Respiratory services. It was a total career flip from anaesthetic pre assessment for surgery.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR ROLE?
I work autonomously but still under the respiratory/cancer umbrella. I have developed the role over the last 10 years. I have nurse-led breaking serious news clinic and post-surgical surveillance clinics for 5 years postop. I am developing survivorship work in this space also.
WHAT DO YOU FIND THE MOST CHALLENGING ABOUT YOUR ROLE?
Never enough hours in the day to do all the things, I want to do. I am completing my Masters this year.
WHAT PIECE OF ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE INTERESTED IN WORKING IN THE FIELD OF LUNG CANCER?
You meet the most diverse people and some with the highest needs and you help them navigate from high suspicion of cancer to starting whatever treatment they will be receiving.
WHAT HOBBIES / ACTIVITIES DO YOU ENJOY OUTSIDE OF WORK?
Watching Netflix, planning my daughter’s wedding next year. Study will consume me for the next 9 months.