Newswise — The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center names Patricia M. Neal the recipient of the 2005 Ethel Fleming Arceneaux Outstanding Nurse-Oncologist Award, the institution's most prestigious honor in oncology nursing.
Neal, a Nebraska native, arrived at M. D. Anderson in August of 1976, a "scared new graduate" of Mount Marty College in Yankton, S.D. Her first supervisor was Ethel Fleming Arceneaux, a strong mentor and patient advocate who, during her 37-year tenure at the institution, exemplified and expected the highest in nursing standards and inspired the creation of the award.
Back then, white uniforms, starched caps and polished shoes were de rigueur. Today Neal dons a white coat over more fashion-forward street attire to coordinate the clinical nursing team at M. D. Anderson's Sarcoma Center, where patients from around the world are treated for more than 40 subtypes of a rare, complex form of cancer that can occur in bone, cartilage, fibrous tissue or muscle.
As clinical care coordinator, Neal works with a multidisciplinary team to provide direct care and teaching for an average of 50 to 70 patients a day. She continues to inspire colleagues and patients with enthusiasm, dedication and teamwork.
"Pat is an expert clinician with an in-depth knowledge of the complex disease process of sarcoma," says Sarcoma Center clinical administrative director Colleen Jernigan. "She has a wonderful, huge heart. She's open to people, caring to patients and generous toward colleagues. When you meet her, you know she's one of those rare, exceptional nurses."
Neal, who has witnessed almost three decades of significant change at M. D. Anderson, says her greatest challenge has been "learning everything you need to know."
"You have to be a sponge," she says. "Our doctors are so great about sharing their knowledge, and we have to put it in lay terms for the patients. We're their translators, and in the process they become part of our family. I love my patients."
Lei L. Chen, M.D., Ph.D., associate professor of sarcoma medical oncology, works closely with Neal and admires her "excellent clinical judgment."
"Pat is very thorough, dependable and efficient in complicated treatment and follow-up," says Chen. "She is a respectable person with integrity, principles and kindness toward patients and staff."
Neal plans a celebratory Alaskan cruise with her children and her 86-year-old mother.
"My mother has had a dream of seeing Alaska since I was a child. I would like to make her dream come true. Her help and guidance have been my inspiration," says Neal, whose children, Justtin, 19, and Laurren, 16, are equally thrilled at their mom's recognition.
Neal says her next professional goal is oncology nurse certification. She is studying for the national OCN (Oncology Certified Nurse) exam, which she plans to take this fall.
As for those beginning their nursing careers, Neal stresses the importance of "being yourself."
"Know how to be human," she says. "Show emotion. Laugh and cry with your patients. Nursing is not an 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. job. It is more than a career. It is the knowledge deep within you that you have been changed forever by the patients who have walked across your heart."
Since 1982, The Brown Foundation, Inc., has recognized nurses at M. D. Anderson who excel in the field of oncology. A committee representing M. D. Anderson's clinical faculty, patient care administration and nursing staff selects Arceneaux Award recipients. Award winners receive a net cash award of $15,000, a crystal plaque and a commemorative pin.
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