2 answers
Amelia
Student
Antwerp, Ohio
2
Questions
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What made you decide that you wanted to do radiation therapy and what motivated you to get into the field?
What made you realize you wanted to do this job and why did you become interested in it.
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2 answers
Kathleen Cole
Radiation Therapist
1
Answer
Encinitas, California
Updated
Kathleen’s Answer
My mother was a registered nurse and as a child I knew I wanted to work in healthcare in some capacity. As a freshmen in college in 1983, I was exploring all the different allied health majors and decided on radiation therapy. I enjoy really getting to know patients and seeing them 5 days a weeks for several weeks allows us to see them as a person and not just a patient.
MELODY SCHAEFER
Radiation therapist
2
Answers
Tacoma, Washington
Updated
MELODY’s Answer
For many years, I dedicated my career to the tourism industry, taking on the role of managing hotels. However, I yearned for a change and explored the possibility of entering the X-Ray field. Upon realizing that it involved dealing with a high level of trauma for some patients, I decided to continue my search.
During this period, both my mother and sister began their battles with cancer. I accompanied them to several treatments, and it was my mother who first suggested that I consider becoming a chemo nurse. I observed the therapists closely, noticing their daily interactions with my mother. They got to know her on a personal level, creating a deep bond, as she only got to see the chemo nurse every three weeks.
This experience resonated with me. It was the catalyst that drove me to choose therapy as my new career path. I was inspired to form those same meaningful connections with my patients.
Call a local radiation center and ask if you can shadow to get a better idea
During this period, both my mother and sister began their battles with cancer. I accompanied them to several treatments, and it was my mother who first suggested that I consider becoming a chemo nurse. I observed the therapists closely, noticing their daily interactions with my mother. They got to know her on a personal level, creating a deep bond, as she only got to see the chemo nurse every three weeks.
This experience resonated with me. It was the catalyst that drove me to choose therapy as my new career path. I was inspired to form those same meaningful connections with my patients.
MELODY recommends the following next steps: