​As we celebrate National Nursing Week, we honour the vital role of nurses in cancer care. The theme for this year's National Nursing Week is "Our Nurses. Our Future". This theme perfectly captures the many roles that nurses play in a patient's journey, from providing compassionate care to serving as educators and advocates for patients.

BC Cancer nurses work tirelessly to ensure that patients receive the highest quality of person-centered care possible. Our nurses are not just care providers; they also serve as mentors, leaders, and innovators in the field of oncology.

We spoke with a few BC Cancer nurses to share what they love most about their work.

Ashley Morgan, systemic therapy nurse at BC Cancer – Surrey

I enjoy the patient care aspect of the job. I feel I can spend time with my patients and talk to them about their lived experience and provide them with compassionate care. I like the supportive environment and the staff I work with. I feel well supported as a new oncology nurse and have a group of co-workers that are pleasant to work with

Laurie Barnhardt, oncology nurse practitioner at BC Cancer – Victoria

I love my patients. It is incredibly rewarding to help them feel heard and cared for. I also love that I get to work with a talented group of professionals each day. I receive a lot of support from the medical, radiation and surgical oncologists and of course the quality administrative team that do so much for our patients and help me work to the top of my abilities!

Brittany Schultz, clinical nurse educator at BC Cancer – Prince George

I love the ability to connect and build relationships with patients and families, and take the time to learn what matters most to them and help them towards those priorities. In my current role as a clinical nurse educator, I am inspired by the opportunities I get to connect with all the new nurses and patient care aides in provincial orientation. It is so rewarding to work with eager new staff and guide them through the oncology world at BC Cancer. I learn so much from all of their past experiences, and get the opportunity to share my passion for oncology.

As we look to the future, we know that nurses will continue to be at the forefront of cancer care. They are dedicated to advancing the field through research, education, and advocacy, and play a crucial role in shaping the future of cancer care.

This National Nursing Week share your stories of how nurses have impacted your life or share thanks to a nurse who has made a difference in your care by visiting bccancer.bc.ca/thanks.