Onco Hero Spotlight: Chris Buck, MS, RN. OCN

Meet Chris Buck (MS, RN. OCN) a Nurse Coordinator Oncology Research at Overlook Medical Center in Summit NJ. 

Why did you choose to be a Oncology Nurse?  
I was drawn to nursing through being a volunteer EMT.  I was drawn to oncology because of an encounter I had in nursing school.  While I was a nursing student, I cared for a woman with stage IV ovarian cancer who was being discharged to home hospice.  That encounter had a huge impact on me with my decision to care for oncology patients.

What is one thing many people don’t know about your profession?
I couldn’t do what I do without the support of so many people such as the infusion nurses, the doctors, the medical assistants, support staff, etc.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?
I think Rumi said it the best, “We are all just walking each other home.”

What is the greatest challenge you have had to overcome at work?
Balancing overtreatment with good palliative care for our patients who are approaching the end of the lives.

This profession has its hard days, how do you fill your own cup?
I begin each day with a simple prayer.  I call it the “Johnny Cash Prayer” because the words are from one of his songs.  “Dear God, my life, my heart, I give to You.  My soul is in your care.  Amen.”  I also cycle two hours a day, back & forth to work, my two dogs/one cat, swimming in the lake and most importantly, processing the day’s events with my wife Peg. 

Nominate an Onco Hero

Do you know an Onco Hero that has an inspiring story to share and deserves recognition? Send your recommendations to Meagan Spalding at Meagan@cancer-companions.org for the chance to be featured in our next newsletter!