Arno Deege has been working at the Máxima Center for eight years. Started as a pediatric nurse and then became a pediatric oncology nurse. He is now in training for hemato-oncology as physician assistant. Arno: ‘Because I wanted to develop myself again, I became care coordinator on the Boomhut and Tafel departments. I am a person who likes to keep challenging himself and this position brings me more depth in pediatric oncology and the transition to the medical professional field.'
For Manouk Vermeulen and Marlies Kortlandt, the transition from pediatric oncology nurse to PA is also a challenge. Manouk: 'Especially the internship really broadens my world, you look at certain problems from a different angle. Why do you make certain choices in treatment, why do you do certain imaging and how do some processes actually work. Knowledge enriches you.’
Tasks
'In the clinic, the PA takes on part of the medical tasks. This will also bring extra continuity of care in the department,' says Arno. 'In my opinion, this is good for child, parent and all colleagues involved.' Manouk adds: 'The tasks that now belong to the doctor in training within the clinic will also be performed by us, such as making visits, assessing children, having conversations with parents. In short, coordinating medical care and making policy for nurses. I take a lot of knowledge with me as a nurse, and I think the collaboration will be easier because you know each other's methods.
Getting used
Many parents wonder what the difference is between a nurse specialist (VS) and the relatively new position of physician assistant (PA). Marlies understands that it can be difficult for parents and children to understand. She says: ‘The big difference between a VS and a PA are specific tasks on the ward. At the Máxima Center, we chose to have a PA on every department. In fact, we perform the same tasks as a physician assistant; we arrange everything for daily medical care. On the contrary, the PA is the case manager for the child and parents, and accompanies child and family throughout the treatment process. So it takes some people getting used to our presence as PA but we can support each other just fine. Arno observes: ‘Many parents and children still know us as pediatric oncology nurses and naturally have to get used to our new position. We'll explain it all the time in the coming period, you know. We wear another uniform now, but my red shoes are still the same!'