Liz Burkholder, RN, BSN, OCN®, is a team leader/charge nurse on the oncology/medical unit at George Washington University Hospital in Washington, DC. She is currently pursuing a family nurse practitioner degree at George Washington University. She lives in Arlington, VA and enjoys spending time with her husband, their new baby girl, and their dog. Other hobbies include reading, interior decorating, and arts & crafts. --
Can you answer the following question correctly? What is the best way to prevent the spread of disease and illness?
a) Vaccinations
b) Covering your mouth when coughing and sneezing
c) Hand washing
d) Staying away from sick people
Often, when I mention that I am an oncology nurse, people immediately get a confused, sympathetic look on their face. They usually reply with something along the lines of, “Wow, that must be hard.” Well, yes, it is hard—very hard. So, why oncology?