As pediatric oncology nurses working across Ontario, we share a deep commitment to advancing care for children with cancer. Representing three distinct institutions, we bring together a blend of clinical expertise, Satellite clinic experience, and case management insight. In March 2025, we had the opportunity to travel to Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC) to deliver nursing education, including the Association of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Nurses (APHON) Pediatric Chemotherapy and Biotherapy Provider course, in preparation for the launch of the POGO Satellite Clinic and POGO Interlink program.
The teaching experience itself was rewarding on many levels. As instructors, it was a chance not only to teach but also to learn from one another. Each of us brought unique perspectives: Kirsty shared a wealth of clinical expertise and knowledge of Satellite care; Kyt contributed deep insights from his extensive background across nearly every pediatric oncology nursing role; and Diana represented one of Thunder Bay’s main referring centres. Observing each other’s teaching styles highlighted both the common ground we share and the distinct approaches that shape our practice.
In addition to the Chemotherapy/Biotherapy course, we delivered two full days of targeted education, to four enthusiastic clinic nurses, on key pediatric oncology topics, including bone marrow suppression, treatment side effect management, fever/neutropenia and sepsis, supportive care, and oncologic emergencies. Some of these topics were identified by the Thunder Bay team (Amy Halvorsen, Manager of Pediatrics, and Nicole Zuefle, POGO Interlink Nurse and Satellite Nurse Coordinator) as areas where additional education was needed. Hands-on learning in central venous line care, port accessing, and closed-system transfer device use provided valuable practical experience. The strong attendance from nurses, physicians, and learners reflected the Thunder Bay team’s dedication and commitment to advancing care.
The trip also offered perspective. Experiencing the distance firsthand underscored the challenges families face when traveling for treatment. The POGO Satellite Clinic at TBRHSC will help ease that burden, allowing children and families to receive care closer to home. This reinforced an important truth: across the province, dedicated pediatric oncology nurses provide specialized care every day. Each individual effort contributes to something greater — a shared commitment to supporting children and families facing cancer.
It was a privilege to meet the TBRHSC nurses and welcome them officially to the POGO family. Their enthusiasm, expertise, and pride in their space were inspiring. Having connected with them in person, it feels especially meaningful when we now send patients their way.
Outside of work, we had time to explore Thunder Bay together. We visited the Terry Fox monument, Kakabeka Falls (“the Falls of the North”), the Sleeping Giant, and enjoyed local cuisine. Weather delays stretched our trip by an extra day — yet another reminder of how travel challenges can impact families seeking treatment. And, from the moment we arrived, it was clear that the local Indigenous culture was thoughtfully woven into the hospital environment. Parking lots were named after animals of spiritual significance, and we learned about the hospital’s Spiritual Care Team, which offers patients and families traditional practices such as smudging. This integration of culture into care was both meaningful and inspiring to see.
The TBRHSC nurses sent us off with a sweet farewell: a box of their famous Persian doughnuts. It was the perfect ending to a trip filled with learning, connection, and shared purpose.
This story was written for the fall 2025 issue of The RePORTer, POGO’s Nursing Newsletter by: Diana Masse, RN, Nurse Case Manager Children’s Hospital, London Health Sciences Centre, Kirsty Morelli, NP, Satellite Nurse Coordinator, Scarborough Health Network, Kaniska Young-Tai (Kyt), RN, Satellite Nurse Coordinator SickKids