Onco Hero Spotlight: Rae Norrod, MS, RN, AOCN, CNS
Meet Rae Norrod (MS, RN, AOCN, CNS) a Manager in the Oncology Service Line at Kettering Health in Ohio.
Briefly explain your current position as a Manager in the Oncology Service Line.
I have the privilege of overseeing a compassionate team of social workers, registered dietitians, and RN Navigators who provide support for cancer patients at all 4 Kettering Cancer Care locations.
Together, we identify what may become a barrier to care, preventing the person with cancer from receiving the care that they need in a timely manner. For example, they may need education about their cancer or treatment so they can make informed decisions, transportation to get to their appointments, help with out-of-pocket expenses, or emotional support and counseling so they can cope with everything that is happening. We provide or connect them to hospital and community resources that best meet their needs and to help prevent delays in their care.
Why did you choose to be an Oncology Nurse?
I think Oncology Nursing chose me. They say there is no such thing as a coincidence – they’re all God-incidence. I thought I was going to be a pediatric nurse, but a series of events lead up to me spending my final nursing school clinical rotations on an oncology unit. While I was there, I began to notice that the patients were different than in other areas of the hospital. I was able to get to know them over time – many of them came in regularly for more treatments or to manage their symptoms.
I was able to build relationships with them, talk to them about their hopes and dreams. This is not always possible in other areas like an emergency room where you hope that they do not need to come back. Both kinds of nursing are important, but getting to know my patients and walking the cancer journey with them fits me. These people inspire me.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
Definitely the people – the patients and the staff are the greatest. People ask me, “Isn’t cancer depressing?” Cancer is a terrible thing, but the people are so inspiring - such courage, strength, and creativity! And the staff are awesome too. I see and hear how compassionate they are and how hard they work to make sure the patients get what they need.
What is the greatest challenge you have had to overcome at work?
That I can’t always give everyone what they want, when they want it – sometimes it is not within the budget or there is not enough staff or enough time to meet every request. It’s easy to feel like I have failed.
This profession has its hard days, how do you fill your own cup?
Life is a balancing act and it is easy to be out of balance. I try to be home for dinner every night and to prepare healthy meals. My husband and I take walks and try to get enough sleep. We have regular family get-togethers so we can keep up with the kids and grandkids. I pray every day and make time for reading my Bible or playing hymns. Staying connected to God gives me strength and helps me cope when I don’t have the answers.
Can you share how Cancer Companions has made a difference in your life, and those who are dealing with cancer?
Cancer Companions is a wonderful tool to have in your toolbox when you’re facing cancer. I often hear people say that they want to know why they have cancer or where is God in their cancer journey. Some want to know what they are supposed to do afterwards or what were they supposed to learn from having had cancer. Cancer Companions doesn’t presume to have all the answers, but guides us and helps us to reflect on who God is. It offers people the opportunity to view their cancer through the lens of faith instead of from a worldly perspective. I love being able to offer Cancer Companions to our patients and their loved ones!
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!
