Ellen Ralph, BSN RN OCN
Ellen Ralph, BSN, RN, is a dedicated oncology nurse with over 20 years of clinical experience specializing in cancer care. She began her nursing career in 2000 as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), working in home health and long-term care before advancing her education and earning her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from the University of Kansas School of Nursing in 2006. Her academic progression reflects a strong commitment to professional growth and excellence in patient care.
Her passion for oncology nursing was deeply influenced by her mother’s late-stage pancreatic cancer diagnosis, which inspired her to pursue a deeper understanding of cancer and its treatment. This personal experience shaped her lifelong dedication to supporting patients and families through some of their most challenging healthcare journeys. Over the course of her career, she has practiced in oncology settings across Kansas City, Phoenix, and Las Vegas, gaining extensive experience in diverse clinical environments and advancing cancer care practices.
Ellen spent 10 years working with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, where she cared for veterans from multiple eras, including Vietnam and the Iraqi conflict. In this role, she gained valuable insight into service-related health conditions and the long-term effects of exposure-related illnesses, including various forms of cancer. She is also an active member of professional nursing organizations such as the American Nurses Association and the Oncology Nursing Society, and has contributed to oncology certification exam development by assisting in the creation of test questions for future oncology nurses.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Ellen is a breast cancer survivor, diagnosed in 2010. This personal journey has profoundly shaped her approach to care, allowing her to connect with patients on both a clinical and emotional level. She brings empathy, hope, and firsthand understanding to her practice, supporting patients through diagnosis, treatment, and recovery with compassion and strength.
• BSN, University of Kansas School of Nursing (2006)
• LPN Training (2000)
• OCN (Oncology Certified Nurse)
• Registered Nurse (RN)
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
• American Nurses Association
• Oncology Nursing Society
Areas of Specialization/Expertise
- Oncology Nursing
- Breast Cancer Care
- Chemotherapy Support
- Veteran Cancer Care
- Patient Education
- Palliative Support
- Emotional Support for Cancer Patients
- Long-term Cancer Management
What do you enjoy most about practicing medicine?
What I enjoy most is simply being present for my patients and helping them get through each step of their cancer journey. I focus on making sure they do not feel overwhelmed or afraid of what is ahead. If they need reassurance, I take the time to support them in whatever way they need, including holding their hand through difficult moments. I often share my own story with patients who are anxious or fearful, reminding them that every journey is different and uniquely their own. I encourage them to maintain a positive outlook and faith, as I believe both can make a meaningful difference in how they cope and heal.
I also make it clear to my patients that there are no “silly” questions—every concern they have is important and deserves an answer. Having personally gone through a breast cancer diagnosis in 2010, I have a deeper understanding of what my patients experience emotionally and physically. I have supported patients through some of their most difficult moments, including those who were told to “get their affairs in order,” and I always remind them that hope should never be taken away. In my experience, until the very end, there is always hope, and I strive to be a source of that encouragement for my patients.