As we continue to honor the incredible dedication and skills of our talented and compassionate Navvisa certified oncology nurses during National Oncology Nursing Month, we wish to spotlight Amy Fentress, MSN, RN, OCN, CYT, CHCC.
MEET AMY FENTRESS
Amy Fentress, MSN, RN, OCN, CYT, CHCC has been a nurse for 31 years and has focused specifically on oncology nursing for the most recent 15 of those years. For the past 5 years, she has worked as an oncology nurse navigator with a particular focus on holistic health, including nutrition, meditation, mindfulness, and spirituality.
What aspect of oncology nursing does Amy find most interesting?
Amy’s interest in holistic health stems from her belief that the human body has an innate ability to heal itself.
“Healing does not always come in the form of cure but healing is a sense of connection with ourselves and a higher power. Through these modalities, we can find connection, acceptance, gratitude, and joy in our journey.”
This belief is what led Amy to pursue additional educational credentials to become a Certified Holistic Cancer Coach and a Certified Yoga Instructor in order to more fully support the oncology patients and families she works with every day.
What draws Amy to oncology nursing?
Amy chose oncology nursing because she has a passion for helping people and empowering them through education and self awareness. As she shared,
“Cancer is very disempowering. Cancer diagnosis requires learning, teaching, and a great deal of self awareness.”
One of Amy’s favorite patients was “Jo”. Jo was a breast cancer patient for 27 years before she passed. She passed away after falling from a ladder trimming a branch from a tree. She had brain mets but would still volunteer at the nursing home and VA and she never accepted her prognosis but just lived each day with such dignity and beauty. According to Amy,
“Jo radiated gratitude and lived life to the fullest, inspiring everyone she came in contact with.”
And what is a “fun fact” many people might not know?
Amy raises pet chickens!
