How one Newberg team's handmade touch brings blooms to the bedside

June 2026

At Providence Cancer Institute Newberg, caregivers are finding meaningful, personal ways to make cancer treatment feel more compassionate and human-centered.

A small gesture with big impact

Nicole Bell, RN, is an oncology nurse at Providence Cancer Institute Newberg. She wanted to create a treatment space for patients that felt warm and inviting. Together with fellow caregivers, she introduced a simple but heartfelt idea: Arranging colorful handmade flowers in vases throughout the clinic.

Patients are invited to take a flower home after their infusion treatments, offering a tangible reminder of dignity and individuality.

'Each flower is unique, just like our patients'

These small gestures help transform clinical moments into meaningful experiences, reinforcing that each patient is seen and valued. Nicole says this is just one way the staff go out of their way to create a joyful space.

Each flower is unique, just like our patients,” she says. “We hope that providing these things makes chemotherapy less difficult for our patients.”

Building a space that feels like home

Encouraged by positive feedback, the Providence Cancer Institute Newberg oncology team expanded their efforts. They created a “Sunshine Committee” dedicated to bringing moments of brightness into the clinic experience.

The committee focuses on enhancing the patient journey by making care feel more personal. By prioritizing comfort and emotional well-being alongside treatment, the team is helping patients feel supported not just medically, but personally — every step of the way.

“Our patients inspire us, and they deserve an extra level of care,” Nicole says.

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