Her Story
About Janice
Janice Basham is a dedicated nursing professional with over 45 years of experience spanning military service, oncology, and geriatric home health care. Her career began when she enlisted in the U.S. Army at the age of 18, where she received comprehensive nurse training across a wide range of clinical specialties, including pediatrics, gastroenterology, cardiopulmonary care, and oncology. That rigorous military foundation set the tone for a career defined by excellence, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to her patients. Over the decades, Janice has been recognized for her outstanding contributions to the field, earning honors such as the Women of Power Award, the Home Health Care Award, military commendations for patient care and training, and recognition from the Henry M. Jackson Foundation for her instrumental role in a landmark breast cancer research initiative.
The most significant chapter of Janice's clinical career was her 25 to 30 years devoted to breast cancer care, during which she became a pioneer in the field. She was among the core team that helped establish one of the first dedicated breast care clinics and played a central role in developing and implementing a research protocol that ultimately enrolled nearly 12,000 participants in tissue and blood studies — work conducted in partnership with the Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, where she has served as a Research Licensed Practical Nurse for nearly two decades. Her oncology and hematology volunteer contributions further reflect her belief that nursing is a calling that extends well beyond the boundaries of a job description. Throughout this time, she earned membership in the American Nurses Association, the Walter Reed Nurses Association, and the International Nurses Association, underscoring her commitment to the broader nursing community.
Today, Janice channels her wealth of experience into geriatric home health care, bringing skilled, compassionate support directly into the homes of her patients. She values the autonomy this role affords her, allowing her to manage her own schedule and deliver personalized, unhurried attention to each individual in her care. Deeply influenced by a home health nurse who once cared for her grandmother, as well as by her mother's tireless nurturing of seven children, Janice has always believed that the most powerful thing a nurse can offer is genuine human connection. She encourages the next generation of nurses to look their patients in the eye, give them their full presence, and approach every interaction with the same care and compassion they would extend to a member of their own family.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Janice
01What do you attribute your success to?
My success is rooted in the powerful role models who shaped my approach to nursing. I was deeply inspired by a home health nurse who cared for my grandmother with such devotion that it left a lasting impression on me. My mother, who raised seven children with the same nurturing instincts as a caregiver, reinforced those values at home. Additionally, my military nursing mentors instilled in me a strong foundation in patient care and professional discipline. Together, these influences shaped my commitment to compassionate, patient-centered care that has guided me throughout my career.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My most important advice is to treat every patient as if they were your own family member. Take the time to truly see them — look them in the eye, listen attentively, and let them feel that your concern for their well-being is genuine. In a field where time is often limited, making a patient feel truly cared for can be just as healing as any treatment. Do this work because you care, not simply because it is your job, and that distinction will define the kind of nurse you become.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the most pressing challenges in nursing today is the limited time clinicians have with each patient. Shortened appointment windows and systemic time pressures make it increasingly difficult to provide the depth of interaction that meaningful patient care requires. However, there are also tremendous opportunities — particularly in cancer research, where advances in early detection and clinical trials are transforming outcomes. I also see home health care as a growing and fulfilling avenue for nurses who value autonomy, personalized care, and the ability to meet patients where they are, in the comfort of their own homes.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Compassion is at the heart of everything I do. I believe deeply in treating every patient with integrity and in nurturing their will to recover and live fully. That means spending extra time when needed, providing honest and encouraging information, and ensuring that patients feel supported — not just medically, but emotionally. I do not see this simply as a professional obligation; it is a personal commitment I carry into every home I enter and every patient relationship I build.
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