When you receive care at Astera Cancer Care, you are treated by a team of people, including nurse practitioners, who are essential to your care. Nurse practitioners, or NPs, are specially trained nurses with extra years of education beyond regular nursing school. They can diagnose health problems, order tests like blood work or scans, prescribe medications, and create treatment plans.
What makes our nurse practitioners so valuable in cancer care is that they're easy to reach and they get to know you on a personal level. They work closely with your oncologist, but you'll often see your NP more frequently. They can examine you, check your symptoms, and make important decisions about your care without having to wait for the doctor. If you need a medication adjusted or have a new side effect that needs attention, your NP can handle it right away.
When you're going through chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or radiation, your nurse practitioner keeps a close eye on how you're doing. They watch for side effects and help you manage them so you can feel as good as possible during treatment. If you're dealing with nausea, pain, extreme tiredness, or any other problems, your NP can figure out what's causing it and help you feel better. They'll prescribe medications, suggest helpful strategies, and make changes to your care plan when needed.
One of the best things about having a nurse practitioner on your team is that they're there for you consistently. While you might see your oncologist every few weeks or months, your NP is available much more often. This means if something comes up, you can get help quickly instead of worrying and waiting.
Our NPs spend more time with you during appointments, allowing them to really listen to your concerns and answer all your questions. They don't just focus on treating the cancer; they also help you stay as healthy as possible overall by discussing nutrition, exercise, stress management, and knowing when to call for help.
For many people going through cancer treatment, their nurse practitioner becomes someone they trust and rely on during a challenging time. NPs bring together medical knowledge, genuine compassion, and the ability to be there when you need them.
If you have questions about your cancer care or would like to learn more about how Astera Cancer Care's experienced nurse practitioners can support you through treatment, call us today to schedule a consultation.