Medical Hematology Oncology (MHO)

MHO specializes in the care of acutely ill cancer patients who require hospitalization. Our primary patient care goals are to reduce or manage illness from the acute phase through initial stability, to provide for continuing care and to prevent crises or intervene appropriately when a crisis occurs. Our 19-bed unit serves the needs of hematology, oncology, pain, endocrine and connective tissue patients. Our nurses have a strong commitment to pain and symptom management. We offer a highly regarded Complementary Therapy Program, complete with a healing arts practitioner to enhance the patients healing process.

Environment

The MHO unit has two respiratory isolation rooms, four hepa-filtered rooms, two lead-lined rooms for low dose brachytherapy patients and a unique pod-based floor design. Physicians, palliative care team members, social workers, dieticians, and rehabilitation staff assist the nurses in providing outstanding comprehensive and collaborative patient care. On site, we have a Hematology/Oncology pharmacist, a nurse practitioner, a physicist, chaplaincy services and occupational therapy.

Unit Culture

Nurse-to-patient ratios are excellent with nursing assistant support on each shift. Work schedules are developed collaboratively by nurses and the leadership group, which facilitates both patient and staff needs. The MHO offers a variety of 8- and 12-hour shifts. Through shared governance, nurses have the opportunity to participate in various committees and work groups, giving them a strong voice within the unit and the facility. We have a competency-based orientation program that runs for four-to-eight weeks, and a three day Oncology mini-introduction course taught by advanced practice nurses.