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For Jess, oncology nursing isn't just a career choice; it's personal. Her grandfather was treated at the AWRCC when it first opened, and it was there she said her final goodbye to him. 

"I remember coming to the centre to say goodbye to him, and the nurses were so lovely and kind," Jess said. "It was reassuring to know that everyone here cared for him." 

That experience shaped her future. Though she'd always pictured herself in paediatric nursing, Jess found her true calling in oncology, driven to give back to the community that supported her family through challenging times. 

"That was one of the strong reasons for me to become an oncology nurse," she said. "To give back to the community of nurses who took care of my grandfather." 

Now four years into her time at the AWRCC and six years into her nursing career, Jess says the strength of the team carries them all through the toughest days. 

"Everyone gets along so well and supports each other," she said. "As a team, we talk to each other and share our thoughts and feelings. That helps us through the tough times." 

From homemade treats and coffee runs to team dinners outside of work, the team leans on one another as much as they lean in for their patients, building close bonds with the people in their care. 

A typical day for Jess starts at 8.30 am, checking patients' vitals and settling them in for treatment. But it's the relationships built along the way that define the role. 

"We interact closely with the patients and really get to know them personally," she said. "That builds a close connection with all our patients." 

Jess has also seen cancer care transform since she started her career. 

"Cancer care has advanced quite a lot," she said. " New and advanced cancer treatments are continually emerging. For example, targeted therapies and immunotherapies are now often given alongside traditional chemotherapy, leading to improved patient outcomes overall." 

While the clinical side of the job has evolved, Jess says recognition days like this one matter for a different reason. 

"I don't do my job to get recognised, but being recognised is very rewarding," she said. "I believe taking a day to recognise cancer nurses means appreciating the good work they do and celebrating that this is not an easy job. It's nice to be recognised." 

Reflecting on this year's theme, Jess says all three words describe her colleagues perfectly. 

"Those three words really resonate well when I look at my colleagues," she said. "It fits oncology nursing very well." 

Her advice for nurses starting in the specialty is simple - look after yourself first. 

"Care for your patients and team how you would care for yourself," she said. "Cherish the moments, tell your loved ones that you love them, and make sure to live in the moment as we don’t know what tomorrow will bring." 

This International Cancer Nurses Day, Albury Wodonga Health thanks Jess and every oncology nurse for the strength, skill and specialised care they bring to our community every day.