In this episode of The Patient From Hell, host Samira Daswani speaks with oncology nurse Joshua Carter about his path into cancer care, shaped by personal experiences with family illness. They explore the differences between palliative and hospice care, the complexities of pain management, and the vital role nurses play as advocates. Josh also discusses misconceptions around pain medication, the promise and challenges of e-health tools, and the often-invisible workflows nurses navigate daily. He shares practical advice for patients, caregivers, and fellow clinicians, emphasizing the importance of early palliative care and being a bold advocate within the healthcare system.

About Our Guest

Josh Carter is an Oncology Nurse at Stanford Women's Cancer Center. His entire 17-year nursing career has been in oncology, with inpatient, industry, and outpatient experiences in Cleveland, Chicago, San Diego, and San Francisco. Josh holds undergraduate degrees from Kent State University and Ohio University and is currently on track to complete his Master's at the University of Michigan School of Nursing this Fall. He is a certified Oncology and Breast Care Nurse. His interests include Nursing Innovation, Digital Health, Patient Advocacy, Patient Education, Patient-Centered Design, Healthcare Improvement, Quality, and Implementation Science. With his interests in Healthcare Quality, Josh is currently a Site Assessor for the Michigan Oncology Quality Consortium. 

Josh has spoken at the National Oncology Nursing Society Congress and Authored Chapters of Oncology Nursing Society Text Books. Josh has been involved with research for caregivers of Cancer patients and has helped in the launch of newly approved cancer treatments. Josh has experience working on a cancer care delivery team at ASCO and has been awarded the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses. 

Resources & Links:

This episode was supported by the Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) and features the PCORI study “A Stepped-Wedge Randomized Controlled Trial: Effects of eHealth Interventions for Pain Control Among Adults With Cancer in Hospice”

Sections

00:00 - Journey into Oncology Nursing

03:22 - Understanding Palliative vs. Hospice Care

07:04 - Pain Management in Cancer Care

10:23 - Pain Management Strategies and Misconceptions

20:32 - E-Health Interventions in Pain Management

23:19 - The Complex Workflow of Oncology Nursing

27:48 - Quick Tips for Patients and Caregivers

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Disclaimer:

All content and information provided in connection with Manta Cares is solely intended for informational and educational purposes only. This content and information is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

This episode was supported by an award from the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute.