Judy R. Hensley has dedicated her career to nursing and patient care, focusing on supporting cancer patients through their treatment journey and recovery. As the cancer support group facilitator at San Mateo Primary and Specialty Care Clinic, UCSF Health, she helps patients navigate life after chemotherapy, drawing from her extensive experience in oncology nursing and home health care. Her decision to enter nursing stemmed from a desire to help people and the realization that nurses could work wherever needed, making it a versatile and impactful career choice that would allow her to make a difference in countless lives.
Ms. Hensley began her health care journey by earning her associate of science in nursing from North Hennepin Community College in Minnesota. This foundation in nursing education launched a career that would span more than four decades and touch countless lives across multiple health care settings. Her academic preparation, hands-on experience, and continuous learning throughout her career enabled her to adapt to evolving health care practices and take on increasingly responsible roles in patient care and leadership.
At the Veterans Administration Medical Center in San Francisco, Ms. Hensley progressed from staff nurse to head nurse on the medical-oncology unit. She earned recognition for her outstanding performance and dedication to patient care. Her leadership style emphasized mentorship, maintaining an open-door policy for newer nurses who needed guidance and support. The chief of nursing at the VA Medical Center once remarked that if she needed hospital care, she would want Ms. Hensley as her nurse. Throughout her tenure, she demonstrated exceptional clinical skills while fostering a supportive environment for patients and staff, earning multiple commendations for her service and leadership abilities.
Ms. Hensley’s expertise in cancer care deepened during her tenure as a nurse at Brian Henderson, MD’s practice in San Mateo, where she worked extensively with oncology patients. This experience led her to establish a cancer support group, which she continues to facilitate at UCSF San Mateo. The group serves patients nearing the end of their chemotherapy treatment, addressing the often-overlooked challenges of transitioning back to regular life after cancer treatment. Through this initiative, she has created a safe space for patients to share their experiences, fears, and hopes, helping them understand that their feelings are normal and shared by others in similar situations.
Ms. Hensley’s commitment to patient care extended beyond hospital walls through her work as a case manager and clinical supervisor at CHS Home Health Agency, Catholic Health Home Care in San Francisco. In this role, she provided essential services, including chemotherapy, blood transfusions, bed sore care, and blood draws in patients’ homes. Her expertise in home healthcare led her to contribute to an advanced nursing textbook focusing on bed sore treatment, and she published an article titled “Continuous SC Morphine for Cancer Pain” in the American Journal of Nursing. This combination of direct patient care and academic contribution helped advance the field of home healthcare and pain management for cancer patients.
Beyond her nursing career, Ms. Hensley demonstrated her entrepreneurial spirit by operating a successful gift basket business. Working from her brother’s warehouse, she created and shipped elaborate gift baskets worldwide, often producing dozens of custom arrangements for corporate clients. This venture showcased her creativity and business acumen, skills that would later prove valuable in organizing and managing healthcare initiatives and support programs for cancer patients.
Ms. Hensley’s passion for helping others extends to her writing endeavors. As a member of the San Francisco Peninsula Writers Club, she has authored a children’s book titled “I Don’t Want to Say Goodbye,” which helps young readers cope with the loss of family members and pets. She continues to work on additional books, including one about end-of-life planning for adults, drawing from her extensive experience in oncology and patient care. Her writing aims to make complex topics more accessible and help readers of all ages navigate challenging life transitions.
Through her support group facilitation, Ms. Hensley encourages open discussions about death and difficult emotions, helping patients understand they’re not alone in their experiences. Her approach to patient care emphasizes the importance of personal advocacy, encouraging individuals to actively participate in their health care decisions rather than passively accepting others’ choices. This philosophy has empowered countless patients to take an active role in their treatment and recovery, leading to better outcomes and more positive experiences.
Ms. Hensley’s career philosophy, captured in her motto, “Everything has a bell curve,” reflects her understanding that life’s experiences, including illness and recovery, follow natural patterns. This insight has helped countless patients and their families navigate the challenges of cancer treatment and recovery. Her work continues to impact the health care community, combining practical nursing expertise with emotional support and advocacy for patients facing life-changing medical conditions. Through her ongoing work with support groups and her writing projects, she continues to share her knowledge and compassion with those who need it most, making a lasting difference in the lives of patients and their families.