Jo Harvey, Lead Cancer Nurse at West Midlands Cancer Alliance (WMCA), has been supporting cancer patients for over two decades. In this blog, she reflects on her career, the importance of the role, and how the workforce is making a real difference to patients lives.
“Being a CNS is not an easy job, but I wouldn't do any other. I truly believe it is the most rewarding job in the world.
“My nursing career spans 35 years, with 25 of these being dedicated to cancer nursing. When I initially qualified in 1990, I worked on acute surgical and high dependency wards, looking after breast, colon, bladder and upper gastrointestinal tract (GI) cancer patients. However, after 12 months working in New Zealand, I quickly realised I wanted to move into Cancer Specialist Nursing.
“In 2000, I worked as a lone worker for the upper GI and hepato-pancreatic biliary (HPB) cancer service. Fast forward to 2019, I began working as an Advanced Clinical Practitioner where I started running my own patient clinics, informing patients of their diagnoses and supporting them through their next steps and symptom management. I now work as the Lead Cancer Nurse at Sandwell and West Birmingham Trust and the West Midlands Cancer Alliance.
“The role has changed massively over my career, but after time, you truly come to appreciate the impact you have on people's lives. I still see patients from 20+ years ago and they come and talk to me when I’m out shopping. However small we feel our impact may be, you can’t deny the huge part you play in someone's life at a time when they need it most.
“As a CNS, we hold an abundance of knowledge and, through specialising, we are true experts in the cancer field. I come to work each day with the aim of achieving the best possible outcome for patients. When someone is diagnosed with cancer, it can be overwhelming and there’s a lot of information to take in. Each patient’s journey is different, but we help them to navigate it with compassion, knowledge and empathy, making sure they can make informed decisions at each point in their cancer journey.
“We’re not just the voice at the end of a phone. We’re there for patients and their families both physically and emotionally, from the initial diagnosis right through to their treatment and after care. Because of this, I often get to know my patients and their loved ones on a much deeper level, which is what I love most about my job.
“We’re a consistent source of support for patients through what is usually a very uncertain time in their lives. We play such an important role in ensuring that everyone affected by cancer receives the care that they deserve and I’m so proud of my profession, not just today, but every day”.