Paediatric oncology nurses offer emotional support for children and families navigating storm of fear and uncertainty
In the heart of a hospital ward, where every second counts and every smile is a beacon of hope, nurses like Linda Litu are quietly making a monumental impact in the lives of young cancer patients. As a paediatric oncology nurse, Litu’s days are filled with not only the rigours of medical care, but also the joy of seeing children navigate through the hardest battle of their young lives—fighting cancer.
Litu’s journey as a nurse began like many others, but her commitment to paediatric oncology at the Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral & Research Hospital (KUTRRH) has set her apart. Specialising in the care of children with cancer, Litu administers treatment to the children, while supporting their families through the often-dark caregiving journey.
“When you hear oncology, it’s a journey we take together with the patient until they are announced clear or free from the disease,” she says.
Having specialised in paediatric oncology, Litu attends to children between 0-19 years. Her day begins from the 7.30 AM shift and the first order of business is to receive a report from the night shift staff, after which they discuss the condition of different patients and set priorities for the day.
“We start with the very sick,” Litu says, indicating the urgency with which the team approaches delicate patients. “We talk to the pharmacists to prepare the drugs, we then talk to the patients about the possible side effects of these drugs, and if there is any complication, we involve the doctor who is always here with us.”
Smiles from the children, even in the most trying of circumstances, are what keep her going
For Litu and her team, the routine is never predictable. Every patient requires attention and care, not just physically, but also emotionally. As a paediatric oncology nurse, Litu is also tasked with engaging in play therapy which she does for one hour with her young patients, an essential part of their healing process.
At the end of the 12-hour intensive shift, Litu leaves the ward knowing she has made a difference, even if in a small way. She says the smiles from the children, even in the most trying of circumstances, are what keep her going.
Litu’s role goes far beyond technical expertise. She is a source of emotional support for both the children and their families, many of whom are navigating an overwhelming storm of fear and uncertainty.
“What we do is involve them in care,” Litu explains. “We start with them from day one, tell them how long we expect the treatment to take, and approach treatment as a team.”
Despite the challenges, Litu finds strength in the positive outcomes. The one story that stands out to her is of a little girl, the first oncology patient, whose cancer was diagnosed early and treated promptly, Litu says, “Last year, she topped the class. That stands out for us.”
Camaraderie within the team helps maintain resilience necessary to offer care and support to patients and families
However, as much as she cherishes the success stories, Litu also acknowledges the emotional toll that comes with the job. There are tough days when the side effects of treatments become too much for the children to bear, and “There are bad days when kids get affected by the drugs, but we know it is expected, and we work through it.”
To cope with the weight of the emotional and physical demands of the job, Litu and her team take time to support one another. “Every week, we have a debriefing day. We talk about all our cases, and just get through the week,” she shares. “Every year, we have a team-building day where we have a little chat with each other. It helps a lot.”
This camaraderie within the team helps Litu maintain the resilience necessary to continue offering the care and support her patients and their families need.
Despite the challenges, Litu finds immense joy in seeing her patients recover. “The day that stood out for me was the day I discharged four patients. They went through remission and were declared cancer-free. That reaffirmed my mission, and I was happy to continue what I do every day.”
For Litu, being a paediatric oncology nurse is more than just a job. “Nursing is a calling. I love what I do. The smiles of these kids keep me going.”
As Litu reflects on her journey, she offers a message of encouragement to other nurses, especially those in oncology.
“We made this decision knowing what we are getting into. Let’s continue what we do as we have fun with our patients.”
