Kristen Kreamer, CRNP, MSN, AOCN, APRN-BC

Ever since I was a newly-minted registered nurse (RN), I knew I wanted to be a cancer nurse. One of my first jobs was as a home care nurse in rural Maine. I took care of a young mother with breast cancer. The experience was very challenging because it required me to become knowledgeable about the disease and its treatment. At the same time, I gained the satisfaction of knowing I had made a difference in this woman's life.

Furthermore, I was impressed with how the disciplines involved worked together to take care of this woman and her family as they fought the disease. I was particularly struck by the collaboration between doctors and nurses. I learned the importance of that relationship in providing the best care to patients. I have found that same level of cooperation at Fox Chase, where everyone works together to help patients throughout the cancer experience.

As a nurse practitioner in thoracic medical oncology, I work alongside physicians, nurses and others as part of the team caring for patients with lung cancer. I have focused on this population for the last 12 years and find it both interesting and gratifying. Working with patients and families with lung cancer gives me the opportunity to address the physical, psychosocial and emotional dimensions of this often devastating diagnosis.

I believe that I can have a positive impact as my patients navigate through a difficult and painful time. Taking care of people with lung cancer is, quite simply, what I was meant to do.

Nurse Practitioner
Medical Oncology

Meet other members of the
lung cancer treatment team.

Fox Chase Cancer Center
333 Cottman Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19111-2497

For general information, call:
1-888-FOX CHASE.
An oncology certified nurse will assist you.

Nursing Education:

University of Pennsylvania, Post-Masters, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Oncology Nurse Practitioner, 1996;

Yale University, New Haven, Conn., Masters of Science, Nursing Medical-Surgical Program Oncology, Nursing Specialty, 1982

Certification/Licensure:

Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner;
Advanced Oncology Nursing Certification (AOCN);
Advance Practice Registered Nurse, Board-Certified (APRN-BC);
Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN)

Honors/Awards:

Assistant Secretary for Health Award, US Public Health Service Contributions to the care and treatment of persons with AIDS and HIV infection, 1989

Outstanding Nurse in the Cancer Center, Strong Memorial Hospital, Rochester, New York, 1985

Clinical Interests:

Lung Cancer

Professional Organizations:

Oncology Nursing Society - both National and Philadelphia Area;
Sigma Theta Tau International, Kappa Zeta Chapter

Presentations:

Recent developments in lung cancer therapy. Oncology Nursing Society Advanced Practice Conference, Chicago, Ill., 2007;
Lung cancer prevention and detection: A changing paradigm, NCCN Advanced Practice Nursing Conference, Hollywood, Fla., 2007
Symptom and side effect management of lung cancer patients during multimodality treatment, Radiation therapy conference for nurses and dosimetrists, Philadelphia, Pa., 2007

Publications:

Kreamer, K. (2003) Getting the low-down on lung cancer. Nursing 2003, November;
Kreamer, K. (2001) Management of Non-small Cell Lung Cancer: Implications of the Disease and Treatment. CBCE Monograph, Irving, Texas;
Kreamer, K. & Lynch, M. (1998) Fluid and electrolyte imbalances. In: F. Preston and R. Cunningham (Eds.) Clinical Guidelines for Symptom Management for Symptom Management in Oncology. New York: Clinical Insights Press, Inc.

Research:

2006 Thesis advisory committee member, Art Therapy Masters Program, Drexel University, 2006;

"The Relationship Between Self-care agency and Functional Ability in Cancer Patients at Home," Unpublished Masters' Thesis, Yale University, 1982