Q and A: Lisa Gebhart, AGPCNP in oncology

Lisa Gebhart started with a diploma in nursing and later earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) in 2002. She worked for years as a nurse clinician/nurse navigator for OHC, a Cincinnati practice that specializes in cancer and blood disorders. After earning her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) in Adult-Gero Primary Care in 2016, she began working in hematology/oncology for UC Health. Here's why she chose to become an Adult-Gero Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP) and more about her career journey.

I first earned my RN diploma, then received my BSN in 2002. Before switching to my current position, I worked as a nurse clinician/nurse navigator for OHC outpatient oncology group.

I wanted to advance my career and be able to do more for my patients. I knew I wanted to stay in oncology and focus on the adult population.

To rate on a scale of 1– 10 with 10 being the best, I rate it at 10. All the professors who worked directly with me also practiced as APRNs (advanced practice registered nurses). This was very helpful in understanding what reality would be after the program.

I work in hematology/oncology for the UC Health's Cancer Center and for UC Health – West Chester Hospital outpatient offices. I see patients on my own and in shared visits with my attending physician and I work with clinical trial patients. I perform symptom management and evaluation for treatment with chemotherapy/immunotherapy for head and neck, lung and genitourinary cancers.

The most rewarding aspect is the satisfaction of taking care of patients and their families by providing compassionate symptom management and education, as well as collaborating with other colleagues. The most challenging aspect is to be respected as a provider.