Connection Prompted Career Change to Oncology for Heather Dains, FNP-BC
Heather Dains, FNP-BC was a few years into her practice as a family nurse practitioner in a rural health clinic when an opportunity was presented to work with cancer patients.
“When I was introduced to hematology/oncology, I immediately felt a connection to the patients in this specialty and knew I had found where I was always meant to be in my career,” she said.
Heather is a board-certified family nurse practitioner with MidAmerica Cancer Care. She sees patients at Bates County Memorial Hospital on Mondays and Fridays, providing Hematology/Oncology care in collaboration with Dr. Jaswinder Singh, Oncologist. They treat a multitude of conditions from cancers to blood disorders, such as anemia.
“I chose to pursue oncology because this field is continuously evolving, and it’s rewarding to see the advances in cancer treatments lead to positive outcomes for patients,” Heather said. “I have the opportunity to work with the same patients continually, truly getting to know each one and establishing the rapport that is necessary throughout each cancer journey.”
Heather oversees treatment when patients come in for chemotherapy or immunotherapy infusions, which are offered at BCMH Outpatient Specialty Clinics. She provides education and support to patients, prior to and throughout treatment. She monitors their labs and other diagnostic tests, manages symptoms, and coordinates patient care.
“It is my goal to develop a trusting relationship with each one of my patients, and to advocate for them during a particularly vulnerable and challenging time in their lives,” Heather said.
Having grown up just outside of Appleton City, Heather felt privileged to pursue her medical interests while still serving the people in her own community. She and her husband Isaac live in the Appleton City area with their two young children, a daughter and a son.
Heather Dains with Dr. Jaswinder Singh, Oncologist/Hematologist (pictured left) and Moeid Riaz, NP.
About MidAmerica Cancer Center:
Established in late 2019, MidAmerica Cancer Care (MACC) has one central mission: to provide compassionate cancer care (oncology) to patients in their own communities. Dr. Jaswinder Singh, founder and director of MACC, is a hematologist-oncologist who also holds board-certification in internal medicine. Dr. Singh travels weekly to see patients at Bates County Memorial Hospital on Fridays.
Heather Dains’ Education
Bachelor of Science in Nursing, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, Mo.
Master of Science in Nursing, Maryville University, St. Louis, Mo.
Heather is board-certified through the American Nurses Credentialing Center.
Experience
Registered Nurse, University of Kansas Hospital, inpatient and outpatient settings
Family Nurse Practitioner, Golden Valley Memorial Healthcare
Family Nurse Practitioner, MidAmerica Cancer Care
