Whether it’s precepting a new nurse or serving on a committee, LaShunda Thorpe is dedicated to helping out her Duke Women’s Cancer Care Raleigh team and her patients, any way she can.
In her role, Thorpe, BSN, RN, CMSRN, CNIV, accompanies her patients through their journey from an initial cancer diagnosis through their post-treatment appointments. In addition to showing endless compassion and kindness to her patients, she’s also dedicated to helping out her team and continuously pursuing professional development opportunities.
“If someone needs help, I want to be there for them,” she said. “It’s important to me to lend a hand to my colleagues to ensure our patients have the best experience they possibly can, especially given everything they go through with cancer.”
Thorpe always jumps at the chance to serve as preceptor for new nurses in the clinic. She enjoys the opportunity to share knowledge and help new staff get acclimated.
“I could not have asked for a better preceptor – LaShunda was always willing to answer questions and serve as a mentor in any way possible,” said Kelsey Gilchrist, BSN, CNII. “Starting in a new nursing role can be intimidating, but she was a bright light of encouragement. We’re lucky to have her.”
Alicia Johnson, RN, a nurse navigator in the clinic, said Thorpe is always willing to learn something new for the benefit of the clinic and their patients.
“LaShunda doesn’t hesitate to take on new responsibilities,” she said. “Recently, we were in a meeting discussing a new role – the first hand to shoot up and volunteer to take on the role was LaShunda. That’s very typical of her willingness to always help.”
Thorpe often attends conferences, professional development courses and serves on several committees to absorb as much knowledge as she can. She always brings back any new information to her team and shares it in huddles, staff meetings and by email.
“Anything I can do to stay up-to-date on procedures and ways to improve care, I’ll do for my team and our patients,” she said. “I always bring everything I learn back to the clinic so that everyone can benefit.”
Leave a Reply