Hematology-oncology nursing demands focus, resilience and an unwavering commitment to being present for families on some of the best and most difficult days of their lives. As they walk alongside patients and families, our Cancer and Hematology Center nurses provide consistency through diagnoses, setbacks, milestones and transitions. Whether preparing a patient for bone marrow transplant or celebrating a long-awaited bell ringing, facilitating a Make-A-Wish trip or being a steady presence through the night, these nurses hold space for healing and hope as they navigate their roles with a deep sense of purpose.
Family-Centered Care in Action
Nurse Mel Stephens has been with Texas Children’s for a little over three years. She transitioned to pediatric hem-onc after about two years in adult medical-surgical nursing. “I think the biggest adjustment moving from adult to pediatric care was communication,” she said. “In adult care, patients can usually tell you exactly what is wrong. In pediatrics, especially with younger kids, you sometimes have to figure it out.” She added that nurses must also communicate with parents who may feel scared or apprehensive. “But that’s where we come in—to be a source of light and help them navigate this journey.”
“A lot of nurses coming from adult care are nervous about having to work closely with parents,” agreed Ashley Makara, an inpatient nurse educator. “But our families are a huge asset. They know their kids better than anyone. If something feels off, they are usually the first to notice. We encourage nurses to use that knowledge as a resource. Families here are incredibly engaged and knowledgeable.”
Building trust takes time, but this unique partnership is what allows nurses to create care plans that meet the unique needs of each child and caregiver.
A Mission Clear as a Bell
Every patient’s journey is different. Some days are filled with joy and celebration. Other days, nurses bring quiet comfort through a game of Uno or a fresh coat of nail polish when a child is too sick to get out of bed.
“Our patients are incredible,” said Sara Bennett, Patient & Family Education Specialist. “Every day, we see them overcome obstacles, smile through chemotherapy, and play games in the halls.” Cancer and Hematology Center nurses are there for it all.
April Lyle, Bone Marrow Transplant Clinic Manager, remembers a patient who completed his Eagle Scout project and donned his cap and gown for a bedside graduation ceremony. “Helping him dress for that moment and hide all his tubes and wires so they didn’t show in the pictures brought all of us so much pride,” she said. “As a nursing team, we weren’t just part of a life-changing treatment, we helped him accomplish his life goals.”
The trust between families and nurses often grows during the hardest moments. Mel recalled one powerful experience: sitting beside the mother of a child at the end of life. “She told me about who her daughter was before her illness. She trusted me with those memories,” she said. “It reminded me why we do this—for the great days, the hard days, and everything in between.”
A Culture of Support and Shared Purpose
That sense of shared purpose is echoed across the Cancer and Hematology Center, especially in the way team members care for each other.
“I often find myself bragging about this amazing team because it really is one of the best groups I’ve ever had the pleasure to work with,” said April Robinson, an outpatient infusion room nurse. “We feel comfortable asking for help knowing that we’ll always be met with kindness, encouragement, and teammates who are ready to step in and support us however they can.”
Carolina Fuentes, an inpatient nurse, agreed. “The teamwork here is like no other,” she said. “From doctors to nurses to PCAs, we all work together to provide the best care possible.”
Texas Children’s supports that culture with intentional leadership, strong educator presence, and unit-based resources that help nurses in our Cancer and Hematology Center build confidence and grow. But it’s the relationships between colleagues, and between nurses and families, that define the experience.
The Heart of the Work
No matter how long they’ve been in the role, our hem-onc nurses will tell you: the work is not easy, but it is worth it. As Sara put it: “It can be emotionally and physically demanding, but it is the best job in the world. These kids are strong, resilient, and are worth every bit of effort we put forth.”
