Dynamic oncology nurse with expertise in delivering high-quality care for high-acuity metastatic cancer patients in the Neurosurgery and Pediatric Oncology units at a specialized cancer hospital. Transitioned to a Clinical Research Coordinator role at Severance Hospital, where I successfully led clinical research on liver cancer, optimized research processes, maintained accurate documentation, and provided compassionate psychological support to patients.
Oncology nurse with 5+ years of experience in high-acuity cancer care, specializing in chemotherapy, surgical recovery, and palliative support. Managed care for cancer patients with complex comorbidities and metastatic disease in a specialized oncology hospital. Skilled in comprehensive patient assessments, surgical and chemotherapy management, emergency response, and end-of-life care, with additional leadership experience as a preceptor for new nurses and students.
General Oncology Nursing
· Patient Assessment & Education: Conducted thorough initial assessments (vital signs, physical exam, mental status, lab abnormalities, medication side effects, allergies, chronic conditions, and current medications) and documented all findings in the EMR/OCS. Educated patients and caregivers on treatment plans and dietary adjustments.
· Surgical/Procedural Support: Prepared patients for surgeries and procedures by administering antibiotics, securing IV access, and evaluating medication responses. After procedures, monitored for complications, assessed breath and bowel sounds, tracked I/O and drainage output, and promptly reported abnormalities.
· Chemotherapy & Emergency Response: Administered chemotherapy via central venous catheters, closely monitored side effects, and maintained emergency readiness by checking crash carts, oxygen supplies, and defibrillators. Assisted in Code Blue situations (intubation, defibrillation, Ambu bag ventilation, emergency medication preparation).
· Discharge & Multidisciplinary Coordination: Educated patients and caregivers on discharge medications, positioning, ambulation, and dietary management, while collaborating with physicians, physical therapists, social workers, and dietitians to ensure a holistic approach to patient care and support home adaptation.
· Preceptor Role: Developed unit-specific guidebooks and checklists to educate and evaluate new nurses and nursing students, training 6 staff members and students.
Specialized Nursing Areas
Neurosurgical Nursing (Brain Tumor, Epidural Hematoma (EDH), Subdural Hematoma (SDH))
• Performed neurological assessments (Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), pupil response, seizure monitoring) and administered Ativan IV for seizure management.
• Managed airway and respiratory needs through oxygen administration (nasal cannula, face mask, non-rebreather mask), suctioning, and maintaining airway patency.
• Implemented fall prevention measures, adjusted bed rails, and optimized lighting to enhance patient safety.
• Monitored and managed complications (insomnia, delirium, dementia) and cerebral edema using Dexamethasone and Mannitol IV.
• Provided pre- and post-craniotomy care, including monitoring after embolization, managing drainage systems (Hemo-vac, Jackson-Pratt drain, external ventricular drain (EVD)), L-tube feeding, oral hygiene, and administering Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN) and IV therapy via central lines (subclavian, jugular, peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC)). Monitored bowel sounds and respiratory sounds post-surgery to detect complications and ensure patient stability.
• Assessed radiation therapy patients for skin reactions and managed skincare.
• Administered pain management medications (fentanyl patches, oxycodone, morphine, and other opioids per protocol).
Spinal Cancer Nursing (Renal cell carcinoma with spinal metastasis, Breast cancer metastasis to T10 vertebra)
· Evaluated motor, sensory, and circulatory status to assess neurological function.
· Assisted with brace application and post-surgical mobilization.
· Conducted pressure ulcer assessments, provided wound care, and implemented air mattress therapy.
· Educated patients on the use of Patient-Controlled Analgesia (PCA) and monitored its effectiveness during post-operative care following tumor resection, fusion, and spinal fixation surgeries, ensuring pain management, neurological monitoring, and mobility support to prevent complications.
· Accurately measured the weight of immobile spinal surgery patients using a hoist scale to guide fluid management and medication dosing.
Pediatric Oncology Nursing (Osteosarcoma, Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL), Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML))
· Administered chemotherapy through chemo ports, Hickman catheters, and infusion pumps (I-MED, BAXTER, Syringe Pump) for pediatric oncology patients, monitoring agents such as Methotrexate, Doxorubicin, Cisplatin, and Ifosfamide, managing side effects like nausea and anorexia, and providing nutritional support through IV fluids or TPN.
· Isolated immunosuppressed children, ensuring strict infection control protocols were followed, and closely monitored complete blood count (CBC) trends, including platelet count (PLT) and absolute neutrophil count (ANC), to detect early signs of infection and adjust care plans accordingly.
· Performed blood transfusions and IVIG therapy with careful monitoring.
· Assisted with bone marrow aspiration procedures and established large-bore IV access for CT scans and surgeries.
· Provided emotional support to children and parents, particularly during amputation surgeries.
Additional Care for Cancer & Chronic Diseases
· Administered nebulized treatments for patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and asthma, Atrovent (Ipratropium Bromide), Ventolin (Albuterol), and Pulmicort (Budesonide) to optimize bronchodilation, and monitored oxygen saturation levels using pulse oximetry to ensure adequate oxygenation.
· Tracheostomy Care: Provided tracheostomy care (dressing changes, suctioning, and caregiver education) for patients with advanced head and neck cancer.
· Cardiac & Vascular Support: Administered Nitroglycerin for angina symptoms and used dopamine IV for blood pressure management.
· Stoma care: Assisted with care by changing stoma bags and maintaining skin integrity.
· Diabetic Management: monitored blood sugar levels (BST) and administered insulin as needed.
· End-of-Life Care: Delivered compassionate care for Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) patients by managing pain, providing emotional support, and ensuring a dignified, comforting passing.
Oncology nursing
Licensed NCLEX-RN (New York)
Licensed NCLEX-RN (New York)