OUR PEOPLE | Russell Reyes
Prostate Cancer Specialist Nurse at St John of God Murdoch Hospital,
Western Australia.
Russell defines himself as a ‘rare commodity’ as he was the only male nurse in his previous team in Radiation Oncology, something that made him feel a bit special.
Currently, Russell is one of PCFA’s Prostate Cancer Specialist Nurses and has been in the role for just over a year. He says that the most meaningful part of his job is to be able to use the skills he has learned and help the gentlemen he sees to feel that they are not alone in their prostate cancer experience. “I want these men to know that there are people who care and want to lighten their burden,” he says.
For Russell, spreading the word on the good work of Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia and on the difference made by all Prostate Cancer Specialist Nurses across the country, is an ongoing endeavour. “There are still some clinicians who have not worked with a Prostate Cancer Specialist Nurse before. However, after they receive information about the role they are more comfortable to refer patients as they see the clear benefits to the patients,” Russell says. “Over time, I have developed strong relationships with the consultants and members of the multi-disciplinary team and now I feel that there is a high level of trust amongst each other, and together we strive to give the best care for our patients,” he says.
Russell is very grateful for the support he has received from PCFA – specifically from the staff managing the nursing programs – and all the Prostate Cancer Specialist Nurses in other states and within WA. “I feel very comfortable to voice-out when I need help or require others’ view on how to tackle certain hurdles. Everyone is very passionate at what they do and focused on what all our hard work really is for… our men diagnosed with prostate cancer and their families,” he concludes.
Did you know?
When Russell is not in the hospital or giving presentations, he enjoys being outdoors with his wife, Maricar, and her 3-year-old daughter, Harper.
They enjoy long drives, going down to the wineries in Margaret River, visiting the jetty in Busselton or Albany, where the family can have a bit of respite from the summer heat.
