Kirstie is a haematology nurse at St Vincent’s Hospital and a recipient of a TLR nursing scholarship
Haematology nurses are absolute legends. Their dedication, skill and compassion change lives every single day. At the TLR Foundation, we’ve got enormous respect for these professionals who care for people living with blood cancers like leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma, as well as serious blood disorders.
If you’re a nurse thinking about specialising, or you’re considering a career in cancer nursing in Australia, haematology nursing might be the path that feels right for you.
This role sits at the centre of complex care, human connection and long term impact.
What does a haematology nurse do?
Haematology nurses provide specialised care to people facing some of the most challenging diagnoses in healthcare. This includes blood cancers such as leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma, along with blood disorders like aplastic anaemia and myelodysplasia.
Clinically, they manage treatments such as chemotherapy, transfusions and stem cell transplant care. But the role goes far beyond medications and procedures.
Haematology nurses support patients through diagnosis, treatment, recovery and sometimes relapse. They explain what’s happening in a way people can understand. They notice changes early. They advocate for patients when things feel overwhelming. Often, they become a familiar and trusted face during long hospital stays or repeated outpatient visits.
They also work closely with haematologists, oncologists, pharmacists, transplant coordinators and allied health teams to make sure care is safe, coordinated and centred on the patient.
Who do haematology nurses care for?
Haematology nurses care for people with a wide range of conditions, including:
Leukaemia, including AML, ALL, CML and CLL
Lymphoma, including Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma
Myeloma, a cancer affecting plasma cells in the bone marrow
Blood disorders such as myelodysplasia, aplastic anaemia and sickle cell disease
Some patients are admitted for intensive treatment. Others come in regularly for transfusions, chemotherapy or monitoring. Some are preparing for a stem cell transplant. Others are learning how to live alongside a chronic condition.
Because of this, no two days are the same.
Essential skills for haematology nurses
Haematology nursing isn’t just a job. It’s a vocation that blends clinical expertise with emotional intelligence.
Compassion and communication
People receiving haematology care are often frightened, exhausted or unsure about what comes next. Nurses in this field know how to communicate clearly and honestly while still being kind and reassuring.
Attention to detail
Small changes can matter. A fever, a drop in blood counts or increased fatigue might signal something serious. Haematology nurses need strong assessment skills and the confidence to act early.
Resilience and emotional strength
You’ll support people through remission and relapse, hope and grief. Being present for patients and families during these moments takes emotional resilience and self awareness.
Advanced medical knowledge
Haematology nurses build deep knowledge in blood cancers, chemotherapy, infection prevention and stem cell transplant care. It’s a specialist area that keeps evolving, which means learning never really stops.
How to become a haematology nurse in Australia
If you’re thinking about specialising, here’s a common pathway.
First, you’ll complete a Bachelor of Nursing and register with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia.
Next, you’ll gain experience in general medical nursing, oncology or another relevant clinical area. This helps build confidence and core skills.
Many nurses then choose postgraduate study to deepen their expertise. The Master of Cancer and Haematology Nursing at the University of Sydney is designed specifically for nurses who want to specialise in this field and strengthen the care they provide.
At the TLR Foundation, we know further study is a big commitment. That’s why we offer scholarships to help nurses become specialists in the care they give to patients being treated for blood cancers and disorders.
Our scholarships support nurses studying the Master of Cancer and Haematology Nursing at the University of Sydney. This course is not running in 2026, but from 2027 one scholarship will be awarded each year. To apply for TLR’s Trace Richey Nursing Scholarship, please click on the link. Applications open at specific times of the year and are managed by the University.
Meet Mary
Mary is a cancer nurse and the first recipient of the The Trace Richey nursing scholarship
Mary is a cancer nurse who used her TLR scholarship to complete the Master of Cancer and Haematology Nursing at the University of Sydney. She cares for patients undergoing complex blood cancer treatments, including stem cell transplants.
That postgraduate study has opened the door to the next stage of her career. Mary is now undertaking a PhD. This is the long term impact of investing in nurses. These scholarships support advanced practice, research, and leadership that will shape cancer care for years to come.
Mary’s story reflects why TLR funds nursing scholarships. When nurses are supported to grow, patient care improves and the future of cancer nursing becomes stronger.
Final Thoughts
The team at TLR can’t say this enough. We value haematology nurses and everything they do. They’re often the steady presence when life feels anything but steady.
Thanks to years of community fundraising and support, we now offer two perpetual nursing scholarships. The Trace Richey Nursing Scholarship and the Allan Frenkel Nursing Scholarship were created to support nurses who want to specialise in cancer and haematology care, not just today, but for generations to come.
Many people worked tirelessly to make these scholarships possible. We’re proud of what’s been achieved, and we’re also clear there’s more to do.
We want to support more nurses, fund more scholarships and continue strengthening specialist care for people living with blood cancer and blood disorders.
Thank you to every haematology nurse. Your work matters more than you know.
References
University of Sydney – Susan Wakil School of Nursing & Midwifery