Nurse practitioner Cathleen Poliquin, MS, APRN-BC, AOCN, is cherished by the patients and families in the Mass General Cancer Center’s outpatient Bone Marrow Transplant Unit.
Cathleen is a gifted counselor and educator to her patients, who know her as “CP.” A cancer survivor herself, she helps them understand the complexities of treatment and eases their fears, responding with empathy to their every concern.
A superb mentor, Cathleen is also respected by her colleagues. Her training of nurses new to the unit as well as her exemplary manner with patients have helped young nurses quickly develop into excellent caregivers in this highly specialized unit.
Throughout her 42-year nursing career, Cathleen has devoted herself to serving patients with cancer, particularly those afflicted with blood cancer. Her dedication extends beyond her challenging position at the Cancer Center.
A volunteer with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Cathleen has served on its Board of Trustees for more than 15 years and, for 22 years, she has led a monthly support group in Natick, Mass., for patients with blood cancers and their families.
“With her warmth, wit and medical knowledge, CP helps us cope as patients and survivors,” writes Debbie Kanady.
Another patient adds, “Nursing is not just a job for CP; it is her calling.”
