"Fred Hutch Cancer Center" "Cures Start Here"

Kelly A. Nelson, ARNP, DNP

Provider

Kelly A. Nelson, ARNP, DNP

Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner, Fred Hutch
Teaching Associate, Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Washington School of Medicine

Specialty:

Medical Oncology

South Lake Union Clinic
Wellness Center

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“I am consistently blown away by the strength of the patients I work with and the sense of community they cultivate, from diagnosis to survivorship.”

— Kelly

How has cancer affected you personally?

My grandma was diagnosed with ovarian cancer while I was in nursing school. Thrust into the oncology world, I witnessed the compassion and care of her providers firsthand. One day, shortly after she was first diagnosed, a few of her doctors and nurses stopped by to talk with her for almost an hour. They discussed some details about her medical situation, and my grandma shared a story about herself when she was in her 20s. They just sat on the edge of her bed and listened. Their attentiveness and genuine interest in who she was as a person, beyond being a patient with cancer, had a tremendous impact on her — and on me as well. I knew then that I wanted to work in oncology.

How do you like to work with patients?

My goal is to provide thoughtful and compassionate care to each patient I meet. I think it’s important to work together as a team, developing a relationship based on trust and mutual understanding. I follow a whole-person approach to care, taking the time to learn about who you are, what your needs are and what matters to you as an individual. I also encourage frequent communication; my colleagues and I want to know how you are feeling and what’s going on in your life. The more we can connect with you, the better equipped we are to help.

Provider Background

Area of Clinical Practice
Breast cancer

I am an advanced registered nurse practitioner who specializes in the care of patients with all types of breast cancer. I also lead the Breast Sexual Health Clinic at Fred Hutch, which is designed to help patients and survivors focus on sexual health and intimacy during and after treatment.

I was an oncology nurse at Fred Hutch before I decided to pursue graduate education and become a nurse practitioner. Part of what makes Fred Hutch an incredible place to work is our collaborative, patient-centered approach to care. Yet we aren’t the only ones who come together as a team. I am consistently blown away by the strength of the patients I work with and the sense of community they cultivate, from diagnosis to survivorship.

Diseases Treated

Languages

English

Education, Experience and Certifications

Undergraduate Degree
Gonzaga University

Medical Degree
University of Washington School of Nursing

Clinical Trials

We make promising new treatments available to you through studies called clinical trials led by Fred Hutch physicians. Many of these trials at Fred Hutch have led to FDA-approved treatments and have improved standards of care globally. Together, you and your physician can decide if a study is right for you.

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Your Care Team

At Fred Hutch, you receive care from a team of providers with extensive experience in your disease. Your team includes physicians, a patient care coordinator, a registered nurse, an advanced practice provider and others, based on your needs. You also have access to experts like registered dietitians, social workers, acupuncturists, psychiatrists and more who specialize in supporting people with cancer or blood disorders.

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Insurance

Fred Hutch accepts most national private health insurance plans as well as Medicare. We also accept Medicaid for people from Washington, Alaska, Montana and Idaho. We are working to ensure that everyone, no matter what their financial situation, has access to the care they need.

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