Meet a Hematology/Oncology Nurse

Around the University of Chicago Comer Children's Hospital, Kelly Kramer, an oncology nurse, is famous for giving the extra effort. Whether it's a matter of taking on additional patients or staying a little bit longer to carefully explain treatment options to families, Kelly is known for maintaining a positive attitude, a smile, and a strong commitment to patient care throughout a long day.

Kelly (right) talks with a co-worker.

With the constant ebb and flow of patients and the changing needs of their families, every day at Chicago Comer Children's Hospital is different, says Kelly--but there's one thing she can count on. "I learn much more from the families and the kids than they learn from me. They teach me something everyday," Kelly says. "I'm in awe of the way the parents handle these situations, and the strength the kids have."

Kelly also coordinates annual compentency classes for hematology/oncology nurses, schedules tests and other appointments for patients, follows up on the tests patients take at home--and she's the go-to person when patients and their families have questions about treatment. Kelly was honored twice this year, with the Leukemia Research Foundation's Nurse of the of Year award, and the University of Chicago Hospitals' award for Nursing Excellence in a Specialty Role. Kelly is the medical advisory liaison for the Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation, an organization she's been involved with since 1991, when one of her patients and his mother created the foundation. They fund cancer research and "small miracles" for sick children.

Through long hours of hard work, Kelly is inspired by the strength of her patients and their families--by "parents who really try to give their kids some normalcy in a situation that is not normal. And kids who have the courage to ask questions that adults wouldn't, and in doing so open conversations that are really important to have."