Victoria Okey is a Registered Nurse at the Royal Hobart Hospital, where she has worked in haematology and oncology for the past four years. As a graduate nurse, Victoria gained vital experience caring for acutely unwell patients on the oncology inpatient unit, before transitioning to the Day Chemotherapy Unit, where she now provides support and treatment for patients undergoing chemotherapy and other blood cancer treatments.

Victoria has recently undertaken training in apheresis, including stem cell collection. As a Clinical Coach for the past year, she has been mentoring and educating new staff members, helping them build their skills and confidence in the fast-paced, complex world of haematology nursing.

Described by her Nurse Manager as “knowledgable, efficient, and compassionate”, Victoria is deeply committed to her work and her patients. Recently, with the support of a travel scholarship from Arrow, Victoria attended the BLOOD 2024 conference in Brisbane, an opportunity that significantly expanded her knowledge of emerging treatments and patient management strategies.

Here is what Victoria had to say about what she learnt at Blood 2024:

Empowering Patients to Manage Their Own Care

An area of focus at the conference was how to support patients in managing their treatment and side effects at home. As the trend towards outpatient care continues, it is essential that patients with haematological conditions including those undergoing bone marrow transplants, are equipped with the tools and knowledge to manage their care independently. One presentation discussed the use of a medical watch that monitored a patient’s vital observations remotely during the nadir period (the period when blood counts are at their lowest following chemotherapy). These strategies can reduce hospital admissions and improve patient quality of life by allowing patients to stay at home with their support systems.

Expanding Knowledge of New Treatments and Therapies

I gained more knowledge in treatments that I had limited exposure to, including the use of red cell exchanges in managing sickle cell disease. Understanding this procedure will better prepare me to support patients, especially considering red cell exchanges have recently become more prevalent in my place of work. Additionally, allogeneic stem cell transplants and CAR-T cell therapies were discussed. Though not yet performed in Tasmania, these treatments are expected in the future, and knowledge of these modalities will allow me to provide better coordinate care for patients.

Addressing Challenges for Rural and Remote Patients

The challenges faced by patients in remote and rural territories were also highlighted. Lack of access to specialist care is a significant issue, which complicates the management of complex haematological conditions. Collaborative efforts between urban and rural teams, as well as telehealth initiatives, can bridge these gaps and ensure that patients in remote areas receive timely support.

Supporting Cancer Survivorship

Another key topic was cancer survivorship, with an emphasis on the long-term physical and psychological effects of haematological cancers and their treatments. This area is often overlooked in clinical practice, but as more patients survive cancer, it is essential to provide ongoing care that addresses both the physical late effects and the mental health aspects of survivorship.

Conclusion: A Nurse Committed to Excellence and Growth

One of the most rewarding aspects of attending BLOOD 2024 for Victoria was the opportunity to network with colleagues from across Australia and New Zealand. As a nurse working in a small team at the Royal Hobart Hospital, Victoria values the chance to collaborate and learn from others in the haematology community. Networking at the conference allowed her to gain new perspectives, share experiences, and discuss the evolving nature of haematology care. These conversations have provided her with valuable insights that she can bring back to her team in Hobart.

From learning about emerging therapies like CAR-T cell therapy to discovering innovative ways to empower patients to manage their care at home, Victoria now has a wealth of new tools and insights to bring to her practice. As a Clinical Coach, she is committed to sharing what she has learned with her colleagues, enhancing the overall quality of care at the Royal Hobart Hospital.

Thanks to Arrow’s travel scholarship, Victoria’s attendance at BLOOD 2024 has further solidified her commitment to learning, collaboration, and the continued advancement of haematology nursing in Tasmania.

Congratulations Victoria and thank you for the work you do.