KAREN PELFREY   

Karen Pelfrey, MS, RN, OCN, CHPN, CBPN-C, CBCN has been a nurse working in oncology for over 19 years and currently is a Breast Care Coordinator at Kettering Medical Center.

On her average work day:

"No two days are ever the same. There is one other Breast Care Coordinator besides myself. We see newly diagnosed breast cancer patients at Kettering, Grandview, Sycamore, and Southview when they come to the hospital for pre-admission testing or for their surgery. We are available to provided support, education, and resources. We offer Navigating the Breast Cancer Journey-Understanding Your Diagnosis and Treatment classes. We facilitate a monthly support group. We prepare for breast cancer conference which is offered twice a month. This includes gathering mammogram films, reports, pathology, procedures, and history and physical information. We write up the information in a synoptic for the physicians. The information is then discussed during the breast conference. The physician recommendations are then prepared in a summary and sent to the physicians involved with the care of the patient. We also track information through a database."

How she got involved in oncology nursing and what is her inspiration to continue:

"Truthfully, It my plan was to work in labor and delivery when I graduated. I was doing a rotation on the med-surg/oncology unit when I was in nursing school. The manager offered me a job. I accepted and I never left oncology because I grew to love it. "I like that this is a field with many advances and I love the patients."

Her favorite WCO-ONS memory:

"I thought that it was very nice that WCO-ONS presented me with a pin when I passed my OCN certification. I was very honored."

Her role within the WCO-ONS and thoughts of the benefits of membership:

"I am a long standing member. I enjoy networking with the other oncology nurses and hearing the speakers who keep us updated on current information."