Oncology nursing education within a supportive care framework: An evidence-based undergraduate course

Abstract

Addressing supportive care needs of individuals affected by cancer is a crucial role for oncology nurses. If these needs are not identified and addressed, then individuals and their families risk experiencing biopsychosocial distress. This paper describes how a group of interested nurses with research and/or cancer knowledge developed, implemented and evaluated an evidence-based university undergraduate course in oncology nursing. The purposes of this course are to provide nurses with specialized knowledge about supportive care in oncology throughout the cancer care continuum and to assist registered nurses in preparing for oncology nursing certification. Theoretical, practical and research-based issues related to the scope of supportive care are incorporated into the assessment, nursing diagnosis, planning and evaluation of client care.

How successful are oncologists in identifying patient distress, perceived social support, and need for psychosocial counselling?

“…Given that recognizing distressed patients and providing emotional support is not neglected by the physicians, other health care professionals like specially trained oncology nurses might contribute significantly in fulfilling these tasks of good patient care (Maguire et al, 1980;Logan et al, 1999). Recent studies show that oncologists and oncology nurses with training in communication skills more often employ patient-centred interviewing techniques (Razavi et al, 1993;Maguire et al, 1996;Fallowfield et al, 1998), which might help identify more accurately patient distress.…”

Baccalaureate-linked oncology nursing education: McMaster University’s Paediatric and Adult Oncology Nursing Program

“…A review of the literature notes a variety of oncology nursing programs available: some within undergraduate curriculum (Bryant Lukosius, Love, Ingram & Rideout, 1996;Logan, De Grasse, Stacey, Fiset, & Fawcett, 1999;Musgrave, 1997;Nibert, Barbara Love, BScN, MHSc, CON(C), is Assistant Professor, Chair: Paediatric and Adult Oncology Nursing Program, Director: Gender and Health Initiatives at McMaster University, Hamilton, ON. CONJ is delighted to include, following this article by Barbara Love, three papers written by graduates of the McMaster adult oncology program about their reflections on their experience of this program. The thoughts and words of these oncology nurses are an inspiration, and a validation of the value of such programs for oncology nurses.…”

Formation infirmière en oncologie associée à un baccalauréat : Programme de sciences infirmières en oncologie pédiatrique et adulte de l’Université McMaster

“…Une revue de la littérature révèle qu'il existe toute une gamme de programmes en soins infirmiers en oncologie, certains sont donnés au sein de programmes de premier cycle (Bryant Lukosius, Love, Ingram et Rideout, 1996;Logan, De Grasse, Stacey, Fiset et Fawcett, 1999;Musgrave, 1997;Nibert, 2000;Rushton, 1999;Sarna et McCorkle, 1995;Savopoulou, 2001), d'autres sont des programmes de formation continue pour les infirmières diplômées (Ferrell, Grant, Borneman, Juarez et Virani, 2002), d'autres encore sont axés sur le développement des infirmières praticiennes en oncologie (Rosenzweig, Hravnak et Jacob, 1997) et une dernière catégorie concerne les soins infirmiers de pratique avancée en oncologie (Brown et Hinds, 1998;Nelson-Marten, Skiba, Howell et Krebs, 1997).…”