Phillip Miller, RN and Jordan Sieh, RN

The best part is the patients don’t have to travel to receive the treatments they need. Phillip Miller, RN and Jorden Sieh, RN are nurses that provide oncology treatments at Gothenburg Health through intravenous (IV) therapy or subcutaneous injections.

Miller has worked at the Great Plains Health Callahan Cancer Center in North Platte for ten years where he prepares cancer patients for and administers treatment. Simultaneously, Miller has worked at Gothenburg Health and provides oncology treatments to patients locally.

“I have been able to take care of patients at the beginning of their treatment at Callahan, and then help them finish treatment here at Gothenburg Health,” Miller said. “It is important to me to provide treatments locally. We are treating friends and neighbors. Everyone knows someone who has had cancer.”

When Sieh started working at Gothenburg Health, Miller’s schedule was busy and needed help. She said she was excited to have the opportunity to expand her knowledge and scope of practice to be able to provide the oncology treatments.

Both Miller and Sieh said they received specialized education for oncology certification followed by an exam to test for mastery of knowledge through the Oncology Nurse Society (ONS). The certification requires renewal every two years as well as continuing education.

Sieh said they work closely with Callahan, Heartland Cancer Center in Kearney and other cancer centers to carry out the oncologist’s orders. In addition, they provide telehealth that allows the patients to continue oncologist visits after the initial treatment is started. “It works really well because patients don’t have to travel, especially in the winter,” she said.

“Miller’s strong relationship with the oncologists at Callahan has built trust. They trust us to have a good program,” Sieh said. “We strive to give high quality care for all of our patients receiving chemotherapy.”

Treatments can vary in length from two hours to a few minutes. Miller and Sieh also provide pre-medication for treatment for nausea, pain, acid reflex, etc. They said they assist with the many side effects of the treatment, monitor the patient and help him or her through the process.

 “For me, the joy comes from giving the treatments and then later seeing the people in the community getting to live their lives,” Miller said.