How would you approach a patient who was refusing chemotherapy or any other recommended cancer treatments as an oncology nurse?
One very difficult aspect of working in a cancer center treating patients is the fact that there is a small percentage of patients who refuse all forms of treatment. While the reasoning for this can span from religious beliefs to fear of adverse side effects, your job as a nurse will be to educate them on all of their options, let them make the ultimate decision, and then work with them moving forward to make their care as seamless as possible. First, let your interviewer know that you are aware that this situation can and will occur during your time as an oncology nurse. Then highlight how you will help the patient understand all of their options for treatment or supportive care moving forward.
"In situations like this, it's most important to understand the perspective that the patient is coming from first. Having a conversation on why the patient would refuse treatment can be very revealing. I understand and respect the fact that there are many belief systems that oppose many forms of medical treatment. If this were the case, moving on to care options that don't involve invasive medications and treatments would be my priority so the patient could be as comfortable as possible. If they were fearful of side effects of chemo or other treatments, my role here would be to have an open and honest conversation on the real side effects of the medicine and then allow the patient and their loved ones the ability to make the best decision for treatment."
