OUR PEOPLE | Allison Turner
Prostate Cancer Specialist Nurse at Canberra Region Cancer Centre at The Canberra Hospital.
"Get out there and get plenty of experience in varying areas of nursing. Both, life and nursing experience bring so much to the role. Be passionate about what you do!"
This would be Allison's advice for young nurses.
With more than 30 years of experience working in the areas of urology and oncology, and as a chemotherapy nurse and educator, Allison knows a thing or two about caring for patients diagnosed with cancer.
Four years ago, Allison was the successful applicant for the vacant role of a Prostate Cancer Specialist Nurse – a position where all her previous experience and passions came together.
As a PCFA Prostate Cancer specialist Nurse, Allison has the opportunity to support, educate and provide care coordination for men and their families, while working with the doctors and allied health professionals to provide the best outcomes for these men.
"I feel that there are not enough hours in the day! I want to see every man across urology, radiation oncology and medical oncology, but not being a 'Super Nurse' makes it difficult!" Allison says.
For Allison it is not possible to meet face to face all patients in the unit. However, she has developed strategies to ensure every man who has a prostate cancer diagnosis receives her introductory letter and contact details.
Building rapport with patients, their loved ones, medical and allied health staff, and having the resources to support men diagnosed with prostate cancer are some of the highlights in Allison's career.
"I enjoy speaking at conferences and information days. It is also significant to me the ability to provide talks to hospital staff and prostate cancer support groups," she says.
Allison has worked closely with an industry partner to gain sponsorship for an exercise program for men on Androgen Deprivation Therapy (ADT).
Did you know?
This social butterfly enjoys cooking, bush walking, and spending time with not one, but two pooches – which her children think she loves more than them.
And speaking about her children, Allison's son has recently announced his engagement to his lovely partner, so wedding arrangements may keep her even busier.
