Tanya Dyan Thomas, CNS

Tanya Thomas, DNP, APRN, AGCNS-BC, OCN, is a doctoral-level clinical nurse specialist with expertise in caring for adult patients who have cancer or need a stem cell transplant.

Tanya has lived in Virginia her entire life, but moved to Charlottesville to attend UVA, where she earned a bachelor degree. She later earned her bachelor, master and doctorate degrees in nursing at UVA School of Nursing.  

“I wanted to work in healthcare after my father and several of his siblings were diagnosed with pancreatic cancer when I was a child,” Tanya says. “After becoming a nurse and being involved in quality improvement and research related to improving patient outcomes, I decided to return to school. Being a CNS (clinical nurse specialist) allows me to be directly involved in improving patient outcomes in the three spheres of CNS practice: the patient, team and system.”

She adds, “I try to learn the patient’s story in order to gain a better understanding of their beliefs, goals, barriers to healthcare, support system, and understanding of the present illness. I encourage patients to be involved in all aspects of the decision-making process and want to make sure they receive the education necessary to make the decisions and/or perform the necessary health maintenance interventions.”

Gender

Female

Languages

English

Age Groups Seen

Adults (21-65)
Older Adults (65+)

Certification

American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) (Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist)