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Appointment with the Pivot Nurse

According to the Direction de la lutte contre le cancer (2008), the pivot nurse in oncology acts as a support resource for people living with cancer, from diagnosis right through the entire cancer experience, including treatments.

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For any questions:

She is the person you must contact first if you have questions and concerns between your medical appointments. The pivot nurse will refer you to other members of the health care team or external resources, if need be.

To learn more about pivot nurses
The Pivot Nurse | McGill University Health Centre​

Ces anges qui tiennent la main des femmes atteintes de cancer | Radio-Canada (In French only)

The role of pivot nurses

The pivot nurse assesses the patient’s health resources and needs, as well as those of their relatives if necessary.

  • She informs them about the different aspects of the illness, the treatments and their consequences, and the short-, medium-, and long-term follow-up.
  • She guides the patient in organizing care and available services, directing them to other healthcare professionals or to a community resource that may better meet their needs.
  • She provides support to the patient and their relatives.
  • She ensures coordination and continuity of care among all care providers.

Preparing for the Appointment

Before the Appointment

  • Prepare your questions and write them down in advance if possible. See sample questions below.
  • Bring a list of the medications you are taking and your health record book, the “Oncology Passport” (available online only).
  • Ask someone to accompany you and take notes.
  • Contact the Info-cancer Services (1-800-363-0063) if needed to help prepare for the appointment.

During the Appointment

  • Make sure you clearly understand when, how, and why to communicate with the pivot nurse.

After the Appointment

  • Write down any useful information obtained from the pivot nurse.

Do you have an upcoming appointment with your pivot nurse? Discover our list of questions to help you gain clarity, better understand your diagnosis, and explore your treatment options. Check it out today to be better prepared for your medical appointments.

View the questions

For more information about the role of pivot nurses or for help getting ready for your appointment, call the Info-Cancer Hotline (1-800-363-0063) to speak with a nurse or documentalist.

Base oncologie : une série complète de vidéos informatives, claires et accessibles, sur différents types de cancer.

Educational Videos on Cancer

Base Oncology: videos on different types of cancer
Rencontre entre patient atteint de cancer et travailleur social

Your appointment with the oncology social worker

Oncology social workers help people with cancer and their loved ones better adapt to the changes brought on by the disease and its psychosocial impact.
rencontre-ipo-FQC

Appointment with the Pivot Nurse

According to the Direction de la lutte contre le cancer (2008), the pivot nurse in oncology acts as a support resource for people living with cancer, from diagnosis right through the entire cancer experience, including treatments.
organisation-soins-FQC

The organization of care in oncology

Quebec launched a cancer control program (Programme de lutte contre le cancer) in 1998 following an extensive public and professional consultation. As a result, three types of oncology teams were gradually established across the province.
rencontre-oncologue-FQC

Meeting with the doctor or oncologist

We often have lots of questions to ask our doctor when it comes time to meet him. The nursing staff at the Info-Cancer Line (1-800-363-0063) can help you prepare for the meeting, by clarifying your questions and putting them in order.