Oncology (Cancer)
Oncologists treat patients who have been diagnosed with many different forms of cancer. Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center features extensive inpatient and outpatient oncology care provided by exceptional Oncologists who practice throughout the Knoxville area.
The Oncology Center of Excellence at Fort Sanders offers a comprehensive approach to patient care which minimizes patient disruption and maximizes clinical quality and efficiency. Cancer patients and their families can be assured their loved ones will receive the most complete and exceptional oncology care available.
Comprehensive outpatient cancer care is also provided across the street at the Thompson Cancer Survival Center.
Top Notch Staff and Processes
Team Work
In Fort Sanders’ specialized oncology unit, all staff team members receive specialized oncology education. All RNs receive an oncology certification. Chemotherapy-trained nurses’ work with oncologists to make sure each patient receives the correct chemotherapy drug, in the right dosage cycle, every time.
Education
Within the Oncology Center of Excellence, many of the nurses are also oncology certified at a national level. They have dedicated more than 1000 hours caring for cancer patients and have successfully completed a national certification examination demonstrating their specialized knowledge in this field. Staff attends special lectures and conferences hosted by local and national medical oncologists and radiation oncologists to keep up with the newest innovative treatments available.
Fort Sanders’ emphasis on oncology knowledge and expertise isn’t just limited to nurses. Each staff member on the oncology unit is also uniquely trained in the care of cancer patients. The oncology team includes a dedicated oncologic pharmacist, dietician, social worker, and RN case manager. This team communicates regularly to ensure the excellent patient care from admission to discharge. From our dieticians, to our pharmacists and radiologists, to our housekeeping staff, we have done a lot of work to provide oncology education to every employee who may come in contact with our patients. By completing this 360° education we provide better patient care.
Safety
Safety is the number one priority on this unit! Due to the nature and potency of these medications strict safety processes are performed by doctors, pharmacists and certified nurses’ who work as a team to double and triple check these medications for accuracy.
National Certifications
The Oncology Center of Excellence at Fort Sanders Regional holds the prestigious Certificate of Approval from the Commission on Cancer. The Commission on Cancer Certification is awarded only to facilities with oncology programs committed to providing the best comprehensive cancer care. 8 North also serves as the inpatient component of the Stem Cell Center which is based at the Thompson Center. This Stem Cell treatment center in conjunction with 8 North has accomplished accreditation by the Foundation of Accreditation for Cellular Therapy, also known as FACT.
To learn more information about the Oncology Center of Excellence at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center, call 541-2169.