Oncology social worker: Angelique Kotzee
As a social worker on oncology wards, Angelique Kotzee plays a vital role in empowering patients during their cancer treatments.
She provides psychosocial assistance to both patients and their families throughout this challenging phase of their lives. Oncology social workers, as licensed professionals, offer emotional, psychological, social and practical care to cancer patients.
Kotzee's responsibilities are multifaceted, requiring her to be well-versed in cancer therapies, side effects and the psychosocial impact on patients and families. Her support extends to individuals at various stages of treatment, from those who have recently received a diagnosis to patients currently undergoing treatment as well as survivors and those requiring palliative care.
"My responsibilities range from counselling patients and their families from the time they are diagnosed to the end of their journey when they complete their treatments," she explains. This holistic approach ensures that patients and their families receive comprehensive support tailored to their unique needs.
In addition to individual counselling, Kotzee provides informative group therapy sessions at the Cancer Association Interim Residence every week. These sessions offer a supportive environment where patients can share their experiences, learn coping strategies and receive emotional support from others facing similar challenges.
Oncology social workers like Kotzee offer crucial support to help patients navigate the emotional and practical challenges that accompany a cancer diagnosis.
They assist with issues such as adjusting to the illness, managing treatment side effects, addressing financial concerns and coordinating care. Their expertise ensures that patients and their families are not alone during this period of their lives and provides a sense of stability and hope.
For Kotzee, the most rewarding aspect of her job is witnessing the resilience and strength of her patients. "Seeing patients find hope and strength, despite their diagnosis, is incredibly fulfilling," she says. Her dedication to providing compassionate care highlights the essential role of oncology social workers in the healthcare system.
She provides psychosocial assistance to both patients and their families throughout this challenging phase of their lives. Oncology social workers, as licensed professionals, offer emotional, psychological, social and practical care to cancer patients.
Kotzee's responsibilities are multifaceted, requiring her to be well-versed in cancer therapies, side effects and the psychosocial impact on patients and families. Her support extends to individuals at various stages of treatment, from those who have recently received a diagnosis to patients currently undergoing treatment as well as survivors and those requiring palliative care.
"My responsibilities range from counselling patients and their families from the time they are diagnosed to the end of their journey when they complete their treatments," she explains. This holistic approach ensures that patients and their families receive comprehensive support tailored to their unique needs.
In addition to individual counselling, Kotzee provides informative group therapy sessions at the Cancer Association Interim Residence every week. These sessions offer a supportive environment where patients can share their experiences, learn coping strategies and receive emotional support from others facing similar challenges.
Oncology social workers like Kotzee offer crucial support to help patients navigate the emotional and practical challenges that accompany a cancer diagnosis.
They assist with issues such as adjusting to the illness, managing treatment side effects, addressing financial concerns and coordinating care. Their expertise ensures that patients and their families are not alone during this period of their lives and provides a sense of stability and hope.
For Kotzee, the most rewarding aspect of her job is witnessing the resilience and strength of her patients. "Seeing patients find hope and strength, despite their diagnosis, is incredibly fulfilling," she says. Her dedication to providing compassionate care highlights the essential role of oncology social workers in the healthcare system.
