Healer, Mentor and Leader

From left: JILL REESE, M.S., APRN, AGCNS-BC, OCN, and SUSIE MALONEY, M.S., APRN, AOCN, AOCNS

Reflecting upon my relationship with Jill over the past 25 years, I am in awe of all she has accomplished. I had moved from being an inpatient clinical nurse specialist to the outpatient world. At about the same time, Jill Reese, M.S., APRN, AGCNS-BC, OCN, had moved from a top-tier outpatient center to our small local oncology office, and I was impressed with her knowledge.

As Jill and I became more involved in our local Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) chapter, we continued to share best practices and worked diligently to make the 40-year-old chapter the excellent source of information and networking it is today. For example, Jill attends the annual ONS Congress and meets with chapter leaders from all over the country. She always brings back fresh ideas on how to make our chapter better.

JILL REESE, M.S., APRN, AGCNS-BC, OCN

When Jill decided to return to school to become an advanced practitioner, she sought my counsel. Going back to school after many years is never easy, but Jill did so even though she was raising three young children. Her passion for delivering the highest level of oncology care to patients is top-notch.

Jill works in a rural cancer center where she is the only advanced practitioner and there is only one medical oncologist. The center’s infusion nurses are new to oncology. Jill is sensitive to the nurse’s emotions and steps in whenever needed. Jill is a resource for them and a huge support system. She has walked in their shoes and understands how challenging the role can be. Being a mentor to the infusion nurses and seeing them grow is magical. If Jill is speaking with a patient in the treatment room regarding symptom management, she always asks the patient’s infusion nurse to come along, so not only do they hear the plan but they also observe and hear the interactions with the patient and family. From kind words to holding a patient’s hand to sitting on a stool at the patient’s eye level and listening to their needs and concerns, these small gestures make a difference to patients.

Even though they are at a small rural cancer center, patients deserve the quality cancer care that they would receive in an academic setting. For practitioners, staying up to date on current treatments and how to manage side effects is imperative. Attending education programs and conferences, along with taking time to research on our own, is important. After attending national conferences, Jill always shares what she has learned.

Jill led our local ONS chapter as president for multiple years and has served on the board for over a decade. When the president-elect had family issues that precluded her from filling the role as president, Jill offered to serve another year, despite having a busy personal and professional life. She also created new services for her patients in a small community practice such as smoking cessation and survivorship programs.

Jill shares her expertise through publications, even though she receives no credit. She does it to give back to the profession. When I needed additional symptom management chapters written for a book that I was editing, Jill stepped in. I realize that there are numerous accomplished oncology nurses who have achieved great things. However, the heroes who collaborate with patients and families day in and day out are not always recognized for the difference they make in patients’ lives. Jill has done many of the things that others have done, including seeking advanced degrees and certification, publishing, speaking and serving on boards.

Jill stands out because she does these things outside of her everyday work life and is truly at the chairside every day. Jill has the ability to connect with people from all walks of life. Whether it is one of the many collaborating physicians she works with, patients and family members, fellow ONS chapter members or nurses seeking advice about furthering their education, Jill listens and shares her expertise and experience.

There are many reasons why Jill is deserving of this award. She makes a positive impact on so many people’s lives through her dedication to patient care, innovative programs and volunteer activities within ONS on a local, regional, and national level. But most of all, she touches so many lives, one person at a time.