Publish date: 14 March 2025
Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialist Day - Gemma Morrison
Can you introduce yourself and your job role?
My name is Gemma Morrison and I am a colorectal nurse specialist. I have been in the role for nearly two years following 10 years in endoscopy. My role as a colorectal nurse specialist is to be a single point of contact for patients who have bowel cancer throughout the trust. I belong in a team of eight specialist nurses who solely work with bowel cancer patients.
Can you give us an overview of your key day-to-day-duties?
An overview of a colorectal nurse specialist’s duties consists of attending colorectal consultant led clinics, running a nurse face-to-face clinic, nurse telephone clinics, attending oncology clinics and partaking in Colorectal Cancer MDT. We work closely with colorectal surgeons as well as other members of the multi-disciplinary team to provide support from delivering initial diagnosis through to discharge. We offer support, advice and information throughout treatment and follow up care and we are the main point of contact for patients, co-ordinating patients care with relevant professionals and referring on to further professionals when required.
Why did you want to become a clinical nurse specialist?
I wanted to become a colorectal nurse specialist as it is deeply personal to me and my desire to make a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals facing colorectal cancer. Following 10 years in endoscopy I became extremely interested in colorectal surgery and gained knowledge throughout my role which I felt aided me in becoming a colorectal nurse.
What’s the most rewarding thing about your role?
The most rewarding part of being a colorectal nurse is being able to help and support patients when they are going through a difficult time in their life. Sharing the highs and lows throughout their cancer journey is equally as rewarding.
What advice would you give to someone who is thinking of becoming a clinical nurse specialist?
To anyone thinking of becoming a colorectal cancer nurse I would say, this is an extremely rewarding job however can be extremely emotional at the same time as you are regularly breaking bad news to patients and their families. We are a small team of nurses from different backgrounds, and we all bring something relevant to the team which provides excellent patient care. Having an interest in the speciality makes the job even more rewarding.