As a nurse at the POGO Satellite Clinic at Windsor Regional Hospital (WRH), Renee Smith plays a pivotal role in ensuring that pediatric oncology patients in the Windsor-Essex County area receive the care they need, closer to home. Her work is a testament to the power of empathy, teamwork, and dedication, that makes a lasting impact on the families she serves. Here, Renee shares her experiences, insights, and the reasons why pediatric oncology nursing is so close to her heart.
Helping Children Receive Optimal Care
Renee’s role is focused on coordinating care for childhood cancer patients residing in the community. A key part of her mission is to help these children and families avoid long travel on the highway to reach a larger hospital with a specialized childhood cancer program.
“I work as the RN in the clinic, organizing appointments and working closely with our pediatrician, Dr. Jarrar, and pharmacists to administer chemotherapy,” Renee explains. “Patients come to me for lab work, port access, blood transfusions, and supportive care as needed. If a child is feeling unwell, they can come to our POGO Satellite Clinic and be assessed on-site.”
The POGO Satellite Clinic at WRH also coordinates imaging and communicates with their partner hospital, Children’s Hospital, London Health Sciences Centre, to ensure patients receive optimal care. The highlight for Renee is the deep relationships she forms with the POGO families, helping them through one of the most difficult times in their lives.
“I love meeting the POGO families and working with them throughout their journey. It’s rewarding to be part of their lives, especially knowing that our work can help make a terrible time a little more bearable. I also love how the role allows me to continuously learn new information and grow as a nurse.”
A Journey in Nursing
Renee’s career journey is one of passion, dedication, and a deep love for pediatric care. She worked in pediatrics for 19 years before she began covering shifts in the POGO Satellite Clinic at WRH. She then spent three years in the chemotherapy suite of the Adult Cancer Centre, with a primary oncologist, managing patients with solid tumours, melanoma, and hematology.
However, Renee’s heart always remained with pediatric patients, and when the opportunity to return to the POGO Satellite Clinic became available, she jumped at the chance to be back with children and their families.
“I’ve always felt deeply connected to the pediatric population, and being part of the POGO team has been a dream come true.” says Renee.
Advice for Aspiring Nurses
For those interested in pursuing a career in pediatric oncology nursing, Renee offers some valuable advice:
“Be patient, listen actively, and develop strong communication skills. Children and families need to feel heard and supported. It’s also important to find healthy coping strategies through hobbies or exercise to maintain a balanced life and avoid burnout.”
She also emphasizes the importance of ongoing education. POGO offers several educational opportunities, including Satellite Education Day, AfterCare Education Day and virtual education.
“Pediatric oncology is constantly evolving, so staying up to date with new treatments and technologies is key. Work as part of a strong team, advocate for your patients, and always take the time to celebrate the small wins along the way.”
The Emotional Toll of Pediatric Oncology Nursing
Renee highlights one of the most pressing challenges in pediatric oncology nursing: the emotional toll. Nurses in this field witness the pain and suffering of children and their families, which can be incredibly difficult to cope with.
Above all, Renee reminds aspiring nurses not to neglect their own well-being.
“Taking care of yourself is just as important as taking care of your patients. It’s important to acknowledge the emotional strain that comes with the job. Nurses are there to support both the patients and their families, but sometimes we forget to take care of our own emotional needs. It’s crucial to recognize when burnout is a concern and to take steps to manage it.”
A Family Legacy of Nursing Begins
One recent achievement that Renee is particularly proud of is seeing her son, Owen, enter the nursing program at Western University.
“When I asked him why he chose nursing, he said it was because he remembers me always speaking so highly of the profession and its impact on helping people He told me he wanted to follow in my footsteps and become the best nurse he could be. It was such an emotional and proud moment for me.”
Inspiring the Next Generation of Nurses
Renee’s story is one of inspiration, dedication, and unwavering commitment to the families she serves. Her work in pediatric oncology nursing touches the lives of children and families, making a profound impact during some of their most difficult times. Through her work, she exemplifies what it means to provide compassionate, high-quality care with a heart full of empathy.
We thank Renee for sharing her journey and insights. Her dedication continues to inspire not only the patients and families she cares for, but also the next generation of nurses, including her own son.