On International Nurse’s Day, The Children’s Cancer Unit Charity is celebrating the dedication, compassion and expertise of the nursing teams caring for children and young people in Northern Ireland who are living with cancer and complex blood disorders.
At the heart of the Children’s Haematology Unit in the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children, is a team of nurses who support families through every stage of their child’s cancer journey- from diagnosis and treatment to recovery and ongoing care. Their knowledge, compassion and reassurance can make an enormous difference during some of the most difficult moments a family will ever face.
As one of the leading children’s cancer charities in Northern Ireland, we are proud to support the vital work taking place within Paediatric Oncology in Belfast and to recognise the incredible nurses helping to deliver exceptional care every day.
This International Nurse’s Day, we spoke to newly appointed Clinical Education Facilitator within the Children’s Cancer Unit, Lisa Ward, about her role, what inspires her, and why education is so important in children’s cancer care.
Meet Lisa: the Clinical Education Facilitator supporting nursing teams in Paediatric Oncology in Belfast
As Clinical Education Facilitator, Lisa’s role focuses on supporting and developing the nursing team through education, training and clinical guidance.
“As a Clinical Education Facilitator in the Children’s Cancer Unit, my role is to support and develop the nursing team through education, training and clinical guidance. I help ensure that staff feel confident and competent in delivering safe, high-quality care to children and young people with cancer and blood disorders.”
She explains that education not only strengthens nursing skills but also helps families feel more informed and supported throughout their child’s treatment journey.
“By supporting nurses through education and training, it helps them to confidently support and educate families about treatment, side effects and symptom management throughout their child’s journey.”
A key part of the role also involves mentoring new staff, supporting experienced nurses in continuing professional development and promoting evidence-based practice throughout the Children’s Haematology Unit in Belfast.
What Does a Typical Day Look Like?
No two days are ever the same, something Lisa says is one of the most rewarding parts of the role.
Her work can involve:
- teaching clinical skills on the ward and in outpatients’ clinic
- delivering classroom-based teaching
- organising training sessions and study days
- supporting nurses in Ward and Day-Care settings and
- collaborating with the multidisciplinary team to improve patient care.
At present, Lisa is helping to develop nursing expertise in highly specialised areas including chemotherapy administration, telephone triage and intrathecal training.
“I also support newly qualified staff nurses in developing the essential foundation skills needed within the Paediatric Haematology/Oncology specialty.”
Alongside ward sisters and the wider multidisciplinary team, Lisa also helps strengthen induction programmes for new nurses joining the service. This helps the new nurses feel supported as they begin their journey within the speciality and it helps them develop their skills throughout their career.
The role extends beyond Belfast too, with collaboration across Northern Ireland and with educators throughout the UK and Ireland.
“Through sharing knowledge, experience and best practice, we work together to ensure policies remain up to date and the care we provide is evidence based and of a high standard for our patients and families.”
Why Education Matters in Children’s Cancer Care
Within the Children’s Cancer Unit in Belfast, ongoing education is essential because treatments and care approaches are continually evolving.
“Education is incredibly important because paediatric haematology/oncology are highly specialised areas of nursing.”
Lisa explains that continuous learning helps ensure that children and young people receive the safest and best possible care while also giving nurses the confidence to support families emotionally and clinically.
“Education also gives nurses the confidence and knowledge to support children and families through some of the most difficult times in their lives.”
Inspired by the Courage of Children and Families
Lisa’s journey into paediatric oncology and haematology nursing began more than 20 years ago in Yorkhill Children’s Hospital in Glasgow.
As a newly qualified nurse working on a general medical ward, she cared for a two-year-old child with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL) who was receiving treatment for an infection.
“Looking after this child and his family had a huge impact on me, and I knew then that this was the area of nursing I wanted to specialise in.”
Six months later, Lisa successfully secured a role within a haematology and oncology ward and has remained in the speciality ever since. After moving to Northern Ireland in 2009, she became part of the Paediatric Haematology/Oncology team in the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children.
Today, she says the resilience and courage shown by children and young people and their families continues to inspire her every day.
“Although it can be an emotional area of nursing, it is also incredibly rewarding. Being able to support children and their families through their journey, while building trusting relationships with them, is something very special.”
What Makes the Team at the Children’s Cancer Unit Belfast Special?
When asked what stands out most about the team, Lisa immediately points to the compassion and support shown across the department.
“The team is incredibly supportive and dedicated to our patients and their families.”
She says there is a genuine sense of teamwork throughout the Children’s Haematology Unit in Belfast, with colleagues supporting one another professionally and personally.
“The dedication, compassion and commitment shown by the team every day is truly inspiring, and I am proud to be part of it.”
Advice for Future Paediatric Oncology Nurses
For anyone considering a career in paediatric oncology nursing, Lisa’s message is simple: it is one of the most rewarding careers imaginable!
“It can be challenging emotionally at times, but it is also inspiring, meaningful and full of opportunities to make a real difference.”
Lisa believes strong relationships with patients, families and colleagues are what make the speciality so unique.
“If you are compassionate, willing to learn and passionate about caring for children and young people, it is an amazing specialty to be part of.”
Reflecting on International Nurse’s Day
For Lisa, International Nurse’s Day is a chance to recognise the extraordinary impact nurses have on children, young people and families every day.
“International Nurse’s Day is an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the hard work and dedication of nurses everywhere.”
“It’s also a time to reflect on all those nursing role models who have inspired me throughout my career and helped shape me into the nurse I am today.”
As a leading children’s cancer charity based in Northern Ireland, we are proud to celebrate the incredible nursing teams working across the Children’s Cancer Unit this International Nurse’s Day. And we are proud to play a part in improving the education and development of this amazing team so that patient care and outcomes can be improved.
Their expertise, compassion and commitment help children and families feel supported, informed and cared for throughout every stage of treatment – making a lasting difference when it matters most.
