Oncology Nursing Services


Sue Childress, RN, MN, OCN, was appointed director of Nursing Services at Huntsman Cancer Hospital in April 2007.


Reaching for excellence is definitely among Sue Childress’s major goals for nursing at Huntsman Cancer Hospital (HCH). “Because of HCH’s position as the premiere cancer hospital in the Intermountain region, I see the opportunity for our nurses to become known as a leading oncology nursing group,” she says.


Such a reputation must be earned. Childress stresses the importance of HCH nurses deepening their oncology expertise. In July 2007, HCH started its unique Oncology Nursing Internship Program. The program gives promising new nurses both classroom education and a broad range of clinical experience in all aspects of cancer care. The paid interns are required to make a two-year commitment to work at HCH upon completion of the program, with at least one year in an inpatient unit.


“The internship program helps us locate exceptional nurses who want to be with HCH for a long time,” says Childress. “A long-tenured nursing staff benefits both patients and the hospital with cohesiveness, continuity, and depth of experience.”


Childress also encourages nurses to obtain the prestigious oncology nursing certification awarded


10 HUNTSMAN CANCER INSTITUTE


by the Oncology Nursing Society, the national organization for nurses in cancer care. Nurses must have worked in oncology for at least two years before taking the rigorous examination that earns the oncology certified nurse (OCN) designation, and they must continue their oncology nursing education to maintain certification.


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“Someday soon, I’d like to be able to say that all HCH nurses are oncology certified nurses,” says Childress. Currently, more than 30 HCH nurses have OCN status.


Childress has been instrumental in furthering communication and cooperation between nursing units. For example, she’s working with


As the premiere cancer hospital in the Intermountain region, I see the opportunity for our nurses to become known as a leading oncology nursing group,


”says Sue Childress, RN, MN, OCN.


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