By Thalia Long, MSN, RN ACM-RN
Working as an Oncology Nurse Case Manager can be rewarding and challenging. In essence, you are using the gift of giving back, promoting patient and family well-being, and coordinating services while being challenged in your own health and mental journey. I discovered in July 2023 that my health and well-being needed attention. I was experiencing a lack of energy, high blood pressure, increased stress, depression, or, to state plainly, my mood was down. Consequently, I scheduled my annual physical and, to my surprise, weighed in at a whopping 180 pounds, the heaviest I have been in years. Even though recommended by my Physician, I decided to forgo taking any medication. I told my doctor I knew what I needed to do and was determined to get the job done! Which was such a Nurse thing to do, and NO, I was not in denial, but decided that I did not want a "quick" fix with medications! I knew what was at the root of my weight gain and spiraling health and was determined that I could do better for myself.
I knew that I needed to embrace wellness for myself!! Therefore, in that very same month, July 2023, I made a declaration to myself and took charge of my own health and wellness. The Journey was difficult, but I knew I had to work consistently to improve. There was no doubt that it would take consistency, determination, and self-discipline. I worked on my mindset regarding diet and exercise. I began listening to inspirational coaches on youtube and audiobooks on self-care and motivation. Within three weeks, I felt stronger! I was now running 2-3 days a week, strength training, cycling, and yoga. Before beginning, I could hardly walk three blocks without becoming short of breath. I kept pushing through all my limitations. My husband, Marc, who is one of my greatest cheerleaders, along with my beautiful dog, Levi. They were right there with me, coaching and guiding me through the hardest of times.
I am now down to a healthy weight of 150 pounds. I have enrolled and completed three half-marathons in various states. My blood pressure is normal at 121/72. My doctor is totally impressed with my success without medications. And I am looking forward to even more activities that challenge me physically to make me stronger.
My well-being interplays with how I can give even more to the patients and families that I serve. I understand that, as an Oncology Nurse Case Manager, being healthy both mentally and physically affects the quality of care offered. This job is already stressful, and I want to be able to focus on helping my patients and providing good-quality care.
It has been a year and three months since that eye-opening day with my doctor, and every day I have been grateful and thankful to be able to continue my wellness journey without the intervention of medications! I love feeling good about my job as an Oncology Nurse navigator. Therefore, I would like to encourage and empower other Oncology Nurse Navigators to do more!
I found this quote, and I think that it is something to live by:
"Movement offers us pleasure, identity, belonging and hope. It puts us in places that are good for us, whether that's outdoors in nature, in an environment that challenges us, or with a supportive community. It allows us to redefine ourselves and reimagine what is possible."
So now, my life's motto is:
MOVEMENT IS MEDICINE!!
National Case Management Week 2024 is October 13-19—Get ready to celebrate the heroes of healthcare—our Case Managers! This year’s lineup is packed with FREE CEs, including bonus October webinars, live networking events, amazing prizes, and so much more! Register Here: https://cmsa.org/about/national-cm-week/
Bio: Thalia Long is a Registered Nurse Case Manager with over 23 years’ experience in nursing and case management. She has been at MD Anderson Cancer center for Nine Years. In her current role, she is responsible for oversight of continuum of care including transition of care planning for post hospital acute care services, completion, and facilitation of referrals and/or transfers. She participates in daily inpatient rounds and covers Stem Cell Transplant outpatient clinics. Mrs. Long participates in several committees throughout the institution, such as Nurse Practice Congress, Unit Practice Council, Peer interview Committee, Emergent transfer group, and Lead for admission assessments. She has received several awards between 2022-2024 including Institutional awards, such as: Awesome job Awards and Quality of Caring Award. She participated in the March Madness as the Captain and her team won! She is a member of professional organizations and stay active with ACM Houston chapter and CMSA Houston Gulfcoast chapter. She received her MSN with specialization in Case Management in 2019 from American Sentinel University, where she remained on the Dean’s list. Mrs. Long lives with her husband, Marc, and has been married for 18 years. They have four adult children, Marc Jr, Mckai, Alliyah, Makayla, and adorable puppy named Levi. In her free time, she loves thrifting, outdoor running, shopping, and watching funny TV shows. She loves to travel and explored Trails and different parks.