Colorectal cancer nurse inspired by patients every day

Regina Dela Cruz knows that being an oncology nurse is not for the faint of heart. But the inspiration she receives from her patients makes for a fulfilling career unlike any other, she says.  

Dela Cruz is an inpatient nurse on the Gastrointestinal Colorectal Surgical unit at MD Anderson. She cares for colorectal cancer patients after surgery. This includes giving early-morning pep talks, working with her patients’ medical teams, educating them on their medications, and helping them care for surgical sites or drains as they prepare to go home.

But for Dela Cruz, the most important part is simply spending time with her patients.

Partnering with patients is central to nursing

“I try to spend as much time as possible walking with my patients around the unit to help wake their bowels up after surgery and be sure they feel educated about their recovery process going forward,” says Dela Cruz. “No one will ask as often or celebrate more when a patient has a bowel movement for the first time post-surgery.”

Such conversations help inform and build trust, says Dela Cruz.

“Nursing is an intimate career. Everything we learn and discover about our patients helps us to better care for them and act in their best interest,” she adds. “There’s nothing we haven’t seen, and my goal as a nurse is to celebrate every milestone and moment, big or small.”

A reminder of the importance of colorectal cancer screening and prevention

With colorectal cancer cases increasing among young adults, Dela Cruz sometimes cares for patients close to her age. She considers this her daily reminder that prevention and colorectal cancer screening are critical. “Prevention starts with awareness,” she says.

Colorectal cancer forms in either the colon or the rectum, starting in the same way and sharing many risk factors and symptoms, such as blood in the stool, cramps or abdominal pain, excessive bloating, and changes in bowel movements.

People at average risk for colorectal cancer should get a screening colonoscopy every 10 years starting at age 45. Regular screening exams can find colon and rectal cancer at an early stage when the chances for successful treatment are greatest.

Celebrating both small wins and big milestones

One of Dela Cruz’s happiest nursing career moments so far was being in the room when a surgeon announced a patient had clean margins after surgery. Those little victories keep her inspired.

“Cancer patients’ optimism and love for life is contagious,” she says. “Despite the sometimes physical and mental toll this work can take on you, the gratitude and fulfillment I feel after being surrounded by that energy is irreplaceable.”

Even during her busiest shifts, Dela Cruz finds it rewarding to witness these wins. For instance, she’ll cheer and celebrate if she helps a patient take their first shower after surgery and then sees them recognize themselves in the mirror again.

Grateful for nursing support at MD Anderson

Dela Cruz has worked at MD Anderson for nearly two years now. This is her second nursing job since graduating from nursing school in 2020. Dela Cruz says the training and certification opportunities available to nurses at MD Anderson encourage her and her teammates to constantly learn and enhance their skills. She is currently pursuing medical-surgical and oncology care nursing certifications. But the best type of education, she says, often comes from working alongside veteran nurses.

“My advice to other young nurses early in their careers is to be a sponge,” Dela Cruz says. “Seek out opportunities that invite curiosity and discovery, whether that is shadowing opportunities in new settings or studying for certifications in topics that are exciting to you.”

Dela Cruz strongly believes the quality of care patients receive is reflected in the care hospitals like MD Anderson show toward their staff, and she feels MD Anderson holds itself to the highest standard in this respect.

Her goal is to put the “care” in cancer care, showing patients that no matter their diagnosis, she is there to be their advocate and cheerleader.

“When the reality of cancer comes into your life or that of someone you love and care for, your perspective and lens on life changes. You love more deeply and live life more fiercely,” Dela Cruz says. “This is what I see my patients do and what they inspire in me.”

Learn more about nursing careers at MD Anderson.