Bringing Hope and Healing to Patients With Cancer

By: Deanna Hohman, B.S.N, RN, BSBA, MHA

Being an oncology nurse is a very difficult task for most, but for Cheryl Brooks, RN, OCN, it just comes easy. She has been taking care of oncology patients for 20 years and it is second nature to her. Cheryl is always reading new information and learning about new treatments in her spare time. She educates and encourages patients along the way.

Other oncology nurses and staff consider Cheryl an expert in her field. She is a mentor and preceptor to many new nurses. Oncology nurses have to hone the psychosocial side of their role in addition to the technical aspects of monitoring their patients during treatments. Cheryl does that well and teaches other how to do this. She is nonjudgmental and will go above and beyond to make sure you and your patient are well taken care of. For example, she skips lunch just to sit and monitor a patient if they are nervous and is always putting patients’ needs above her own when she is working with her oncology patients. It is in these little acts that Cheryl performs every day that makes her an extraordinary nurse.

Through her experience, education, compassion and resiliency, Cheryl has been able to provide lifesaving care for her patients with cancer. The calling to work with patients with cancer is a special gift. Cheryl’s helpfulness in caring for her patients is very evident, as she is always using her spare time to make sure the patient is comfortable during their stay. She continuously brings hope and healing to patients with cancer and their loved ones.

Cheryl Brooks is the most deserving of Extraordinary Healer® Award because she does everything she can for her patients but expects nothing in return.

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