Nurses

Radiation oncology nurses at the Bismarck Cancer Center work closely with our physicians, radiation therapists and dosimetrists to provide high quality care for our patients and their families during the course of treatment. The nurse helps to evaluate the patient before treatment begins and explains possible side effects that may be experienced during treatment and how to manage them. In addition, they assess how each patient is doing throughout treatment and help them cope with any changes they may be experiencing. They also provide support, education and resources to all BCC patients and their families. Nurses play a key role in educating the patient about treatment and side effects.

Tara, Director of Nursing

Started at Bismarck Cancer Center: 2009
Previous Experience: Oncology Nurse, St. Alexius Medical Center
Education: Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Jamestown College

She first became motivated to work in the cancer field in knowing she would help affect the lives of so many, making a positive difference. She sees patients benefiting from services and programs that she helped create; it’s reward enough to move forward to the next project. Her favorite part of working at BCC is daily making a difference in the lives of local cancer patients. She is incredibly proud of the remarkable team she works with at BCC and for what they do each day for their patients.

Julie, Registered Nurse

Started at Bismarck Cancer Center: 2014
Previous Experience: Altru Hospital, Medcenter One
Education: BSN Nursing from Medcenter School of Nursing and Master’s Degree in forensic nursing from Duquesne University

Julie is dedicated to helping patients through their cancer journey with a positive attitude and outstanding care. Her career path in nursing was an easy choice; she loves to help others.

Kelsee, Registered Nurse

Started at Bismarck Cancer Center: 2017
Previous Experience: Cardiac & Telemetry Nurse, Sanford Health
Education: RN, BSN from MedCenter One College of Nursing

Kelsee is inspired by the kind and caring attitudes of her co-workers and enjoys seeing how everyone at the BCC interacts with patients on a daily basis.

Kelsee’s favorite event is Bucks for Bras, where she helps her family (Bucks Borrowed Roadhouse owners) raise money for the Foundation. Kelsee enjoys getting to know the patients she is fortunate to work with and feels blessed to be able to help them through their cancer treatments and beyond.

Jen, Registered Nurse

Started at Bismarck Cancer Center: 2011
Previous Experience: Same Day Surgery 
Education: BSN Nursing and BA psychology from UND

Jen finds working in oncology rewarding, since patients undergoing treatment at BCC tend to demonstrate positive attitudes, strength and integrity. She’s inspired and amazed each day as she works with caring, compassionate people. She finds her co-workers going the ‘extra mile’ to keep the best interests of the patients in mind. Jen’s most memorable experiences at BCC are those relationships developed as she works alongside her patients. 

Sarah, Survivorship Nurse

Started at Bismarck Cancer Center: 2012
Previous Experience: Nurse at St. Alexius, St. Gabriel’s
Education: Bachelor of Science in Nursing from MedCenter One College of Nursing

Sarah began her nursing career and quickly fell in love with the oncology patients because of the difference in the patients from those fighting other illnesses. She sees a quiet, courageous fierceness within them that is specific to cancer patients. The strength and faith she gleaned is enough to keep her in the field for years to come. Her favorite part of working at BCC is getting to know the patients. She recognizes each person as having a unique set of talents and interests; she learns something new every day.

Jill, Registered Nurse

Started at Bismarck Cancer Center: 2004
Previous Experience: St. Anthony Central Hospital, St. Alexius Hospital and Sanford
Education: LPN from NDSSS Wahpeton, Bachelor of Science in Nursing from MedCenter One School of Nursing 

Jill’s older sister Barb Wild passed away in 2003 of breast cancer; her death makes Jill strive to make a difference in any way she can in the journey of cancer patients. Her most memorable experience at BCC happened years ago when a patient drove to Bismarck twice a day for treatments (100 miles each way = 400 miles each day. One afternoon she phoned to say she couldn’t make it back for her afternoon treatment due to not having enough money for gas. Jill recalls all of the staff reaching into their pockets and purses to chip in to help her make the trip, giving her an envelope of cash when she arrived. 

Corina, Survivorship Nurse/Tobacco Treatment Specialist

Started at Bismarck Cancer Center: 2014
Previous Experience: CHI St. Alexius Health
Education: RN, BSN from MedCenter One College of Nursing

Corina worked in the beauty and spa industry for 12 years, but began volunteering to work with cancer patients in 2000 in order to help women going through cancer. When she moved back to North Dakota from Colorado, she went back to school to be an oncology nurse and ended up at BCC in order to continue helping patients with cancer. The thing  Corina has enjoyed most is all of is the learning that takes place. She is constantly challenged to learn new things while teaching patients about their side effects  for their overall well-being. She loves that BCC’s support teams work together to support patients and their families to promote a better quality of life.

Andrea, Registered Nurse

Started at Bismarck Cancer Center: 2020
Previous Experience: Nurse at Sanford Same-Day Surgery
Education: Bachelor of Science in Nursing from North Dakota State University

Andrea served as a nurse at the Washburn Clinic and served as an EMT on the Washburn Ambulance. She is looking forward to establishing relationships with patients while helping them through their cancer journey of treatment and healing. 

Andrea’s days are full of kids and activities, but she still manages to find time to support the BCCF’s events including Applefest and Bucks for Bras.

Sarah, Registered Nurse 

Started at Bismarck Cancer Center: 2021
Previous Experience: CHI, St. Alexius Health
Education:  University of Mary

Sarah joined the Bismarck Cancer Center after spending over 13 years at CHI St. Alexius Health. She wanted to make the change to the Cancer Center to help take care of our patients and their families during what is an extremely difficult time in life. This busy mom enjoys running, playing at the lake, and going on many adventures with her husband and two young boys.

Nicole, Registered Nurse 

Started at Bismarck Cancer Center: 2021
Previous Experience: Roger Maris Cancer Center, Fargo; Medical Oncology at the University of Colorado Hospital, Denver; Inpatient Oncology Med/Surg at St. Joseph’s Hospital,  Denver; and experience at specialty clinics including Breast Oncology, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and Urologic Oncology
Education: Bachelors of Arts at UND, and Nursing Degree from  Northland Community College

Nicole is motivated by the patients she works with every day. They go through so much, and she says their kindness and compassion is what inspires her to be a better nurse and person.  Nicole is always driven to meet, and exceed, patient care expectations provided at the Cancer Center. She feel privileged and honored to be a part of the cancer journey so many people are faced with.

Nicole finds the BCC to be a  welcoming and kind place, and she says it feels like family. The kindness, compassion, and dedication everyone she works with shows to the patients and families is amazing!

 

Heidi, Registered Nurse

Started at Bismarck Cancer Center: 2022
Previous Experience: Critical Care Unit at Sanford Health
Education: Bachelor of Science in Nursing, North Dakota State University

Heidi works PRN for the Cancer Center and is an RN in the Critical Care Unit at Sanford Health. She enjoys being a part of the Cancer Center team and creating positive experiences and relationships with patients and their family members. Heidi is proud to be a part of the BCC team and see how much everyone cares about the people who walk through the doors.

Lisa, Registered Nurse 

Started at Bismarck Cancer Center: 2022
Previous Experience: Medical/Oncology Unit at CHI St. Alexius and Clinical Educator for CHI St. Alexius
Education:NDSU and MedCenter One College of Nursing

Lisa enjoys developing relationships with patients and their families and helping them navigate through their cancer journey. I find the bravery and determination of oncology patients inspiring. They provide a daily reminder of what is truly important in life.

 The thing I like best about BCC is the culture. The number one priority for everyone who works here is the patients that we serve, and you can feel that the minute that you walk in the door. BCC has a friendly, welcoming, supportive atmosphere for both patients and staff that is unmatched in the community.  I am proud to be part of this team.

Cahri, Registered Nurse 

Started at Bismarck Cancer Center: 2023
Previous Experience: Sanford Health – Dermatology, Sanford Health Family Medicine, Sanford NICU
Education: LPN – Minnesota State Community & Technical College, RN – NDSCS

More info coming soon!