Spotlight on Nursing Leader Dr. Lindsay Jibb: Pediatric Oncology Research Trailblazer
Dr. Lindsay Jibb’s work is grounded in real-world challenges witnessed firsthand at the bedside. Currently, she leads research in several key areas: improving pain outcomes for children with cancer, supporting parents managing their child’s care at home, and addressing the psychosocial needs of children with cancer and their families. At the core of it all is a strong commitment to patient- and family-centred research.
Every study includes patients, survivors, or family members as research partners — not just as participants.
“It’s not even an option anymore to exclude those voices,” says Dr. Jibb. “They are integral to generating meaningful questions, ensuring the research is practical, and helping us share results in ways that matter.” This dedication to patient-and-family-centred research is now being integrated into my own doctoral work, which looks at parent perspectives of decision-making about enrollment in clinical trials.
For Dr. Jibb, research has always been a central passion — one that has evolved into a dynamic and impactful career at SickKids and the University of Toronto, where she’s leading transformative work in pediatric oncology nursing.
Dr. Jibb’s path to research began as she completed her undergraduate degree in biology, which gave her early exposure to research through a thesis project. That experience sparked a love for scientific inquiry, leading to the pursuit of her master’s degree in biochemistry though her heart always remained in healthcare. When she later entered nursing school, she knew she wanted to blend her clinical training with her research background.
“I always knew I would involve research somehow,” she explains. “It was a chance to take all the learning we do as nurses — clinical, theoretical, and practical — and use it to directly improve care for patients and families.”
When Dr. Jibb was offered the opportunity to pursue her doctoral degree with Dr. Jennifer Stinson, she jumped, and has been leading innovative pediatric oncology nursing research since.
Unlike her earlier experiences in lab-based science, Dr. Jibb found nursing research to be deeply collaborative and community-oriented.
“As a PhD student, I felt so supported by the nurses, managers, and colleagues on the unit. It felt like we were all working together, and that sense of shared purpose really stuck with me.” As an educator and mentor, Dr. Jibb is passionate about building a pipeline for future nurse researchers. She is an incredible role model, actively demonstrating how nurses can take their bedside experience and employ it in a scientist role to improve experience and outcomes for patients.
“I always say, ‘my door is open,’” she laughs. “If you’re a nurse interested in research, I’ll review your CV, talk about school, or help you find a way in.” Looking ahead, Dr. Jibb is excited about the growing recognition of nursing research in Canada. “It’s an exciting time. Organizations like POGO are investing in this work, and the next generation of nurse researchers is full of energy and fresh ideas.”
For Dr. Jibb, the reward from her research is clear. “When a patient or parent comes back and says, ‘thank you,’ to know that the work we’re doing matters to those people that we’re doing it for makes it all worth it.”
This story was written for the fall 2025 issue of The RePORTer, POGO’s Nursing Newsletter by: Rachel Hamilton, RN, MN, PhD(s), PhD Student and RN – 8A Inpatient Haematology/Oncology at SickKids
Nominated by Rachel, Dr. Jibb is the winner of the 2025 POGO Nursing Leadership Award. Rachel considers it a privilege to work under Dr. Jibb’s mentorship. From their first meeting, Dr. Jibb’s passion for research and dedication to improving patient care stood out. Her warmth, intelligence, and commitment to nurturing emerging nurse researchers create an exceptional training environment. Bridging clinical practice and scientific inquiry, Dr. Jibb serves as a role model for students like Rachel. This spotlight draws from Rachel’s interview with Dr. Jibb, highlighting her inspiring journey, impactful research, and contributions to pediatric oncology nursing. Her story is both motivating and enlightening, offering a glimpse into the dedication and passion required to transform patient care through nursing research.
Homeward Bound: Building Pediatric Palliative Care Capacity in Northern Ontario
For many years, our team at the POGO Satellite Clinic in Sudbury, located at Northeast Cancer Centre, Health Sciences North (Health Sciences North), has recognized a significant gap in the number of healthcare providers with experience, knowledge, competency and confidence in caring for children with life-limiting illnesses, who are medically fragile or have complex care needs. As a result, many Northern Ontario families do not feel confident bringing their children home from children’s hospitals when they are receiving palliative or end-of-life care, due to limited expertise and support closer to home. This gap has placed a physical, emotional and financial burden on families who must remain far from their communities for extended periods. It also adds pressure to the pediatric palliative care facilities in Ottawa and Toronto.
We’ve long known that as oncology nurses and physicians, we have the skills and experience to care for medically fragile children who live nearby. However, children living in more remote Northern communities often lack access to the same level of care and support.
In my role as the Sudbury POGO Interlink Nurse until recently, the only one serving all of Northern Ontario—I’ve had the privilege of building relationships with healthcare providers across the region. While we’ve offered case-by-case support, I’ve always dreamed of creating a more formal and consistent way to strengthen pediatric palliative care across the North.
That dream became a reality with support from POGO staff and a Kindred Cares Grant from the Kindred Foundation. This funding allowed us to deliver pediatric palliative care education to providers in key Northern Ontario communities, including Thunder Bay, Sault Ste. Marie, Sudbury, Timmins, and North Bay.
Before receiving the grant, I became a certified Pallium LEAP facilitator, which enabled me to share my knowledge and lived experience as a Northern provider familiar with the challenges of limited resources and services.
The education sessions funded by the Kindred Grant were delivered through two models:
- A 2-hour in-person community information session to share knowledge and foster open discussion.
- Two Pallium LEAP Pediatric courses, with funded spots for participants to engage deeply, share experiences, and learn collaboratively.
In total, 67 healthcare professionals from various disciplines participated in these sessions. Together, we explored challenges, brainstormed solutions, and shared both successes and setbacks in a supportive and inclusive environment.
As a result of this initiative, I have since established an online community of practice with providers across the North to help support sustained capacity building. Most importantly, this work has enabled more children and their families to return home for palliative and end-of-life care. There is still a lot work to be done, but I am optimistic about where we are headed.
This story was written for the fall 2025 issue of The RePORTer, POGO’s Nursing Newsletter by: Vicky Wilton, RN, POGO Interlink Nurse, Health Science North.
Delivering Nursing Education in Thunder Bay, Ontario: A Perspective of Learning and Connection
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
Facing Stage 4 Cancer at Just Two Months Old
By Ruveena Mariathas
When Mallika was born, we thought she was just a fussy baby. She cried every night, and we took turns holding her upright while sleeping on the couch. Several visits to walk-in clinics indicated she had colic. But when she stopped having wet diapers and bowel movements, we knew it was something
more serious.
At just two months old Mallika was diagnosed with stage 4 rhabdomyosarcoma. Her treatment began almost immediately—aggressive chemotherapy that had us constantly travelling to downtown Toronto, me with no income and bills piling up.
Our POGO Interlink Nurse connected us to POGO’s Financial Assistance Program and handled the paperwork during a time when everything felt overwhelming. On her regular visits to our home, she always took time to check in o
n our older daughter, Ashwana, to make sure she was coping with her sister being sick and her parents being away so often at the hospital.
Eventually, we were able to move part of Mallika’s care to the POGO Satellite Clinic at Scarborough Health Network. Being close to home meant we could sleep in our own beds, spend more time with Ashwana, and bring Mallika in for her daily chemotherapy without the added pressure of a long commute. The Satellite Clinic is a warm and welcoming environment, and the nurses became like family—they knew her well, noticed small changes and helped us through some scary moments, including a serious episode of dehydration.
Mallika has had surgery to remove her bladder and now needs daily catheterization, which means we have to use a tube to keep her wounds from closing. When she turns five, doctors plan to create a neobladder—a surgically constructed bladder to help restore some normal function. Despite all she’s faced, she’s full of energy and steadily catching up on her milestones.
Mallika rang the bell at the clinic to mark the end of treatment. Our POGO nurse cried. We cried. After everything we’d been through, it felt like we could finally breathe.
Marking National Indigenous History Month with a Special Video for Parents and Caregivers of Children with Cancer
Introductory Note from POGO
The POGO Indigenous Children with Cancer Initiative, established in 2019, is dedicated to enhancing
equality and cultural safety in the care of Indigenous children with cancer and their families. This initiative brings together individuals with lived experience, healthcare providers from across the Ontario, Indigenous Navigators from hospitals, and members of the Indigenous Cancer Care Unit of Ontario Health.
In honour of National Indigenous History Month this June, we are proud to share a heartfelt video designed to increase understanding of a childhood cancer diagnosis. Recognizing the diverse caregiving roles within Indigenous communities, this video is intended for anyone in the child's support circle, including parents, community elders, extended family, and Indigenous healers.
Jennifer Keis, Nurse Practitioner at SickKids and a valued member of our initiative, shares her reflections below on the creation of this video and its impact on her practice.
Walking alongside Indigenous Patients and their Communities
In nursing, we are taught to provide culturally-safe, patient/family-centered, and holistic care. My experience with the POGO Indigenous Children with Cancer Committee has reinforced that achieving this requires an open mind and a willingness to listen and learn from others.
I am grateful for the wisdom, stories, and expertise shared by Indigenous healthcare providers, community members, and families who are part of the committee. Their strength in sharing the challenges and trauma of navigating the healthcare system with such honesty and integrity has had a profound impact on me. I recognize that I must continue to engage in learning, listening, and adapting to ensure I am providing meaningful and thoughtful care to Indigenous families.
I had the privilege of getting to know the patient featured in the video, Makenzy, and his mom, Wendy, during a long stay at SickKids, so you can imagine the emotional impact the video has had on me. In the video, Wendy, who, in her spare time, enjoys art as a hobby, shares with viewers a painting, which beautifully illustrates the family’s hope to remain connected to their Indigenous culture and practices while Makenzy was receiving treatment for leukemia. Wendy’s powerful symbol of resilience and connection is not unlike the hope of other Indigenous families who will need pediatric oncology care in the future.
Indigenous families deeply value preserving cultural identity, even as they navigate the challenges of western healthcare. This shared experience resonates with many and underscores the importance of walking alongside Indigenous patients and their communities—recognizing, respecting, and integrating their traditional practices and medicines into our care approach.
Supporting Families through Childhood Cancer Diagnoses
As nurses, we understand how overwhelming it can be for families to receive
a childhood cancer diagnosis. Suddenly, families are thrown into an unfamiliar world filled with medical jargon, blood tests, diagnostic procedures, and various healthcare providers. While trying to comprehend the gravity of the diagnosis, families are faced with making significant treatment related decisions that may feel overwhelming, all while grappling with the emotional shock of the news.
Now, imagine how much more difficult this experience is for families coming from a place of historical and medical trauma, racism and discrimination, loss of cultural identity, and health disparities. The intricate nature of these challenges can magnify the emotional toll, making it even harder for families to navigate this already overwhelming experience.
Creating a Culturally-Sensitive Support Tool for Indigenous Families
Our vision in creating the video is to provide an avenue to open communication, build rapport, and share information in a way that is culturally sensitive and less overwhelming for Indigenous families facing a new childhood cancer diagnosis. Acknowledging the significant value of connection within Indigenous communities and with their elders, we also understood the importance of providing an educational tool that families can share with others.
Thank you for reading my reflections on the privilege of participating in the POGO Indigenous Children with Cancer Committee and helping to create the video, Childhood Cancer: A Guide for First Nations Communities. If you haven’t watched it yet, I encourage you to do so.
Watch Childhood Cancer: A Guide for First Nations Communities
I hope it becomes a valuable resource for sharing with colleagues, but most especially, with Indigenous pediatric oncology families you support. As nurses, we have the privilege of spending meaningful time at the bedside, listening to families share their stories, building trust, and advocating when their voices need to be heard. My hope is that the video, along with other POGO Indigenous resources, will support you in fostering these important relationships with cultural humility, an openness to listen and learn, and compassion in the care we provide.
Jennifer Keis is a pediatric nurse practitioner at The Hospital for Sick Children, working with families facing leukemia or lymphoma.
A New Era in the Treatment of Pediatric B-ALL
Expert Recommendations for Administration of Blinatumomab and Looking to the Future
For those working in pediatric oncology, there’s been no shortage of conversation this past year about a new era in treating pediatric B-ALL. The Children’s Oncology Group (COG) Nursing Steering Committee hosted a webinar earlier this year, providing insights into the widely discussed AALL1731 study and sharing practical strategies for managing blinatumomab infusions. This webinar was presented by the Children’s Oncology Group (COG) Nursing Steering Committee on February 12, 2025.
The intended audience for this webinar is primarily nurses, although allied health professionals will also find it beneficial. Attendees will gain insights into the AALL1731 study results and learn how nurses have effectively addressed challenges related to blinatumomab infusions in their institutions.
The webinar objectives are:
- Review AALL1731 study results
- Highlight nursing contributions to success of blinatumomab on COG clinical trials
- Brief review of qualitative results – perspective of caregivers
- Framework for improving healthcare experiences
- Perceived risks (to patient/family outcomes) with care delivery
- Consideration of hypogammaglobulinemia
- Sharing examples of delivery practices
- Rural populations
- 7-day bags
- Equipment challenges
- Prior authorization
If you missed the live webinar, you can still watch it here – COG Nursing Webinar Blinatumomab
If you collect Continuing Education Units, you can earn 1.5 hours by watching this presentation and using the QR code to access the evaluation.
Articles of Interest
- Bernhardt MB, Militano O, Honeyford L, Zupanec S. Blinatumomab use in pediatric ALL: Taking a BiTE out of preparation, administration and toxicity challenges. J Oncol Pharm Pract. 2021 Mar;27(2):376-388. doi: 10.1177/1078155220979047. Epub 2020 Dec 18. PMID: 33334253.
- Montgomery KE, Zupanec S, Yun C, Okada M, Kubaney H, Feehily E, Withycombe JS. A Quality Approach to Blinatumomab Delivery in Pediatric Oncology: A Children’s Oncology Group Study, 2024, J Pediatr Hematol Oncol Nurs (Epub 9 Sept 2024).
- Withycombe JS, Kubaney HR, Okada M, Yun CS, Gupta S, Bloom C, Parker V, Rau RE, Zupanec S. Delivery of Care for Pediatric Patients Receiving Blinatumomab: A Children’s Oncology Group Study. Cancer Nurs. 2024 Nov-Dec 01;47(6):451-459. doi: 10.1097/NCC.0000000000001309. Epub 2023 Nov 22. PMID: 38016041; PMCID: PMC11128477.
Cancer-Related Fatigue and What Pediatric Oncology Nurses Need to Know
Cancer-related fatigue is a major but often under-recognized aspect of childhood cancer care. As treatments become more effective and survival rates improve, attention is shifting to the overall well-being of young patients during therapy. Fatigue stands out as a common experience that can affect every part of a child’s life, from play to school to home. Understanding fatigue is an essential step in providing truly comprehensive pediatric oncology care.
What does the evidence say about fatigue in pediatric oncology?
We know that fatigue is one of the most prevalent, severe and distressing symptoms and it can persist long-term into survivorship. Fatigue is associated with a decreased quality of life and can co-occur with other symptoms such as depression and sleep disturbance.
So, what can we do about it?
POGO’s Guidelines Program provides healthcare professionals in Ontario and worldwide with the best options for managing the adverse effects of cancer and its treatment with the goal of improving the health and quality of life of children with cancer.
Read more about the program here.
Recently, this POGO program released a fatigue clinical practice guideline (CPG) to get you moving in the right direction. The purpose of the fatigue CPG is to guide healthcare providers in the management of fatigue in children and adolescents with cancer and pediatric recipients of hematopoietic stem cell transplants (HCT).
The fatigue CPG ultimately highlights four recommendations and one good practice statement (see table below). Nurses at the bedside and in clinics are uniquely positioned to implement these evidence-based recommendations.
I’ve reviewed the fatigue CPG, now what?
Start with the good practice statement. You can ask your patients about fevers, nausea and vomiting, pain and more, so now is the time to start asking about fatigue. There are many tools to help you assess fatigue; see if your institution is using any of them. Some examples include: Peds-PRO-CTCAE, PROMIS and SSPedi: Symptom Screening in Pediatrics Tool.
Next, try recommendation 1, the use of physical activity. There is no perfect intervention for physical activity, but you can assess what brings your patient joy and start small and scale up. Maybe it is a dance party that the unit holds for 10 minutes a day or maybe your unit has organized scavenger hunts that have the patients up and moving around the unit and hospital. Encourage families to get involved and plan activities such as walks, bike rides or yoga.
Guided by the POGO fatigue CPG, the Children’s Oncology Group (COG) New Diagnosis Guide now incorporates information about fatigue, including describing fatigue as a symptom of cancer and cancer therapy and offering suggestions to families on how to manage fatigue. This guide can help you start the conversation.
Find the New Diagnosis Guide and other COG family resources here. https://childrensoncologygroup.org/cog-family-handbook
Review POGO’s clinical practice guidelines on fatigue, and other topics, here.
AboutKidsHealth has also developed some great resources about fatigue which you can read more about here: Cancer-related fatigue
Denise Mills, MN, RN(EC), NP Pediatrics
POGO Provincial Clinical Lead, Pediatric Oncology Nursing
References
- Hooke, M.C., & Linder, L.A. (2019). Symptoms in children receiving treatment for cancer-part 1: fatigue, sleep disturbance, and nausea/vomiting. Journal of Pediatric Oncology Nursing, 36(4), 244-261.
- Patel, P., et al. (2023). Guideline for the management of fatigue in children and adolescents with cancer or pediatric hematopoietic cell transplant recipients: 2023 update. www.thelancet.com Vol 63 September, 2023.
Meet Renee Smith, Compassionate and Experienced Pediatric Oncology Nurse at Windsor Regional Hospital
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 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.
Reflections of a Bedside Nurse
Reflective practice is a cornerstone of pediatric hematology/oncology nursing—strengthening team collaboration, elevating standards of care, and supporting the emotional well-being of nurses. Its benefits are far-reaching, touching not only the nurses themselves but also the young patients and families they care for. Reflective Practice Corner is a standing section in The RePORTer—POGO’s Nursing Newsletter—featuring reflections from nurses across the province and offering insights into their experiences. It also invites readers to pause and consider the questions posed.
Clare Holton has been a registered nurse for five years and found her passion for pediatric oncology two years ago when she joined the pediatric oncology team at McMaster Children’s Hospital, Hamilton Health Sciences.
What lessons have you learned from your patients?
It is a privilege to care for children and their families as they navigate the challenges and milestones of the cancer journey. Every day offers something meaningful, especially through the invaluable lessons I have learned from my patients, which cause me to pause and reflect.
I remember caring for a five-year-old patient with neuroblastoma. His love for the small things in life and his ability to live for the moment were truly inspiring. His perspective was untainted by fear or doubt. This was truly a breath of fresh air and a resounding lesson in resilience. There was something profoundly inspiring in this patient’s unshakeable hope and pure-hearted view on life. He had a strong fighting spirit and a bright outlook that resonated with everyone around him. I remember walking into his room after he had several grueling days of chemotherapy. I heard Elton John’s “I’m Still Standing” playing and there he was playing with his race cars quietly singing along. That moment stuck with me, reminding me that even on our hardest days we can still stand on our own two feet and keep moving forward, even if it’s small steps. This has become one of the most powerful lessons I have learned working in pediatric oncology: to be hopeful, keep going, and never underestimate the strength found in resilience. Every time I hear that song, I think of this patient and his unwavering spirit, brightness, and strength in the highs and the lows. I carry this memory, especially on my own tough days, as a reminder of the incredible courage and resilience of the patients we care for.
How do you prioritize self-care?
While caring for my patients is my priority, on my days off I like to spend time in nature, reading, and at my family cabin with my family and with my dog. Working in an acute, fast-paced, and unpredictable environment is challenging at times especially during 12-hour shifts. I encounter both ups and downs, and I frequently experience emotionally difficult situations. On my days off, I really take advantage of doing the things I enjoy. I also engage in mindfulness and reflective practices to support a healthy work-life balance. This is important to me so that I can continue to provide family-centered compassionate care. I try to incorporate the same mindfulness into the workplace by embracing the ability to “take things as they come” while balancing it with the planning and the structure my job requires.
How do you stay motivated and inspired on tough days?
Caring for a child with cancer means supporting the entire family unit. One of the most difficult parts of this role is to navigate the delicate balance of offering hope with the reality of their diagnosis. I aim to be honest while maintaining compassion, giving the families space to process. It is a balance of holding hope while also preparing for the worst possible outcomes, and I try to walk that line with humility and grace.
Clare Holton, RN, has been a registered nurse for five years. She found her passion for pediatric oncology when she joined the pediatric oncology team at McMaster Children’s Hospital, Hamilton Health Sciences.
Related content: Reflective Practice IS Nursing Practice
Spotlight on Tanya Hobson: A Dedicated Advocate for Pediatric Oncology Families in Northern Ontario
Introducing Tanya
For Tanya Hobson, a POGO nurse based at Health Sciences North in Sudbury, caring for young patients with cancer goes far beyond clinical responsibilities. As both a pediatric oncology Satellite Clinic nurse and AfterCare Clinic case manager, Tanya provides essential support for families navigating the challenges of childhood cancer treatment and survivorship in Northern Ontario.
Behind the Care: Tanya’s Daily Impact
In her dual role, Tanya fills her days with clinical duties like, chemotherapy administration and assessments, as well as emotional support that carries into AfterCare. "During treatment, our focus is on helping children manage side effects and supporting families through the process," she says. Post-treatment, her work shifts to help survivors address the long-term effects of cancer treatment, with a special emphasis on maintaining health and well-being for years to come. Reflecting on her work, Tanya shares, “We make a real difference to these families—our work is so valued."
A Unique Path to Pediatric Oncology
Tanya’s path to this role reflects her passion and deep commitment. Initially pursuing medical school, she shifted to nursing to seek a more hands-on, patient-focused career. She gained valuable experience in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) in Toronto for over a decade before moving to Sudbury and discovering her true passion in pediatric oncology. Since then, she has built lasting connections with patients and families in her community, something that she finds deeply rewarding.
Overcoming Challenges in Northern Ontario
Northern Ontario’s vast geography presents unique challenges for healthcare access. Some of Tanya’s patients live up to seven hours away, making trips to the clinic daunting. This distance, coupled with sometimes unpredictable weather and limited access to immediate healthcare resources, requires tailored care that Tanya and her team strive to deliver with dedication.
Addressing Mental Health in Pediatric Oncology
One pressing issue in pediatric oncology, Tanya notes, is the growing need for mental health support. As childhood cancer survival rates improve, families and survivors grapple with the psychological impact of a cancer journey, often extending beyond the treatment phase. Tanya believes integrating mental health support into standard of care is crucial, starting at diagnosis and continuing through survivorship.
Proud Achievements and a Lasting Impact
Reflecting on recent meaningful experiences, Tanya is proud of her recent Canadian Nurses Association (CNA) Certification in Oncology and completion of the Association of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Nurses (APHON) Chemotherapy/Biotherapy Provider Course. Both credentials affirm her commitment to best practices and a high standard of care for her patients. But her greatest achievement, she shares, came when a former patient recently told her he was pursuing nursing because of the care he received from her. “It was lovely to hear the impact we make,” Tanya says, smiling.
Closing Reflections
In her 10 years in Sudbury, Tanya remains inspired by the resilience of her patients and families. Each day, she brings a compassionate approach to a field she feels called to, embodying POGO’s mission to ensure children with cancer and their families receive the best possible support—no matter where they live.
