UAB Cancer Center R.N. Spotlight: Valerie Caterinicchia

Valerie Caterinicchia, R.N.

Research Nurse Coordinator for UAB's Comprehensive Cancer Center’s Clinical Studies Unit

How did you come to this department of the Cancer Center?

“I originally answered an ad for a position in spinal research, but they did away with that position, but there was an opening in breast cancer research. I’d never done research or oncology, but I decided to give it a try. I’ve been here ever since and love it.”
 

What does your interaction with the patient look like?

“When the patient comes in, we assess any side effects, and if anything is abnormal, we consult the protocol for what to do. One of my favorite parts of my job is alleviating my patients’ fears and anxieties. When they first come in, they’re scared. I’m there to hold their hand and comfort them and let them know it’s going to be okay.”

Do you consider your job challenging?

“The drugs are getting more and more complex. Sometimes I feel like I need to go back to college to re-learn the anatomy and physiology, but we have great teachers in our physicians who can explain it to us so that we can explain it to the patients.”
 

 Tell us about your experience as a research nurse.

“I feel like I’m making a contribution to advance science. We have to keep fighting the fight. If something doesn’t help the patient, what we learn from that might help the next. I love my patients. The best part is when they come to you after the treatments and say, ‘I couldn’t have done it without you. Thank you.’ You know you’ve made an impact, and that’s rewarding.”


Mrs. Caterinicchia's full story can be found in the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center's Magazine

UAB Cancer Center R.N. Spotlight: Edna Foshee

Edna Foshee, R.N.

Patient Care Coordinator in the Cancer Center’s Hematology-Oncology Clinic

Can you tell us about your typical day as a UAB nurse at the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center?

“When patients are referred here, their doctor’s office calls me to set the appointment, and I get their records, pathology slides and X rays are sent here, so essentially I know more about them than anyone else at UAB. I call the patients and talk to them and make them feel welcome and loved—like they’re special, because they are.”

What is one way you make each individual patient feel comfortable at such a big hospital?

“I’m a face to the person so that they can actually learn about and not be overwhelmed by UAB and to feel that somebody cares.”

How has working with cancer patients been rewarding?

“I’ve learned a lot in my 27 years as a nurse, but I’ve learned more in the past four years about what causes cells to become cancerous and what causes cancer cells to make people sick. It’s really neat to be able to look under a microscope and to be able to tell what kind of a cell that person has. Giving chemotherapy, I knew all about the side effects and how to help patients with those issues, but now I can help with the diagnosis as well and tell them what to look for and prepare them for the journey ahead.”

How do you deal with the reality of cancer every day?

“There are days you want to go in your office and cry because you’ve had to tell somebody there’s nothing else you can do. But you look at it from the perspective of all the people you do help, where you’re able to tell them that they don’t have any more disease. Those are things you live for. That’s what keeps me doing what I do.”

So, helping people is what you enjoy?

“I’m a very religious person, and I believe God puts people in your life for a specific reason. I believe He’s put me here to be able to help these people who need extra special attention and love. If I didn’t think I was helping people every day, I couldn’t do what I do.”

Mrs. Foshee's story was featured in the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Centers Magazine.

A Special Thank You to Oncology Nurses

Hectic days in the hospital and clinics are not rare at the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center, but through it all, our oncology nurses are always there to offer help. With May being Oncology Nursing Month, we'd like to take this opportunity to thank all of our wonderful nurses for their hard work and dedication!

The Cancer Center is home to some of the best nurses in the country, and we're proud to have them on our team. Individuals undergoing cancer treatment need caring and compassionate people surrounding them, and our oncology nurses provide that to the highest level. For more than 40 years, our doctors and nurses and have helped save lives, and that's something we're extremely proud of.

On behalf of the Cancer Center and all the patients treated here over the years, I offer my sincere thanks to all of our nurses for their dedication and commitment to taking care of those in need.

-Ed Partridge, M.D.

May is Oncology Nurses Month

During May, in addition to Cancer Research Month, we also celebrate Oncology Nurses Month. Nurses are such an important part of the treatment process, and we couldn't do the work that we do without them.

The UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center is home to some of the best and most dedicated oncology nurses anywhere. Take, for instance, Faye Williams, who has worked in our inpatient oncology unit since 1997 and makes sure that the unit has everything it needs to provide the best possible care for patients. Or Michael Bowen, in our Hematology-Oncology Clinic, who meets with patients one-on-one to assist with any problems or questions they may have and who also teaches a wilderness life support class in his spare time. I could go on and on, as these are just two examples of the many outstanding nurses we have here at the Cancer Center.

 I hope you will join me in saying to all oncology nurses out there, THANK YOU!

-Ed Partridge, M.D.