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Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing Jun 2020As I enter into my last year of nursing school at the University of Maryland School of Nursing in Baltimore, I am asked many times, "What area of nursing do you want to...
As I enter into my last year of nursing school at the University of Maryland School of Nursing in Baltimore, I am asked many times, "What area of nursing do you want to go into?" Although this question can be very daunting for most, the hardest question that I am constantly mulling over is, "Do you want to stay in oncology after you graduate?" I currently work as a student nurse on an inpatient oncology unit, and I see the ups and downs that oncology nurses face every day.
Topics: Adult; Career Choice; Female; Humans; Maryland; Medical Oncology; Oncology Nursing; Students, Nursing
PubMed: 32441676
DOI: 10.1188/20.CJON.335 -
Annals of Palliative Medicine Jan 2024The specialty of oncology nursing began around the 1970s when oncology as a science became a significant practice in the clinical areas. As the practice of oncology grew...
The specialty of oncology nursing began around the 1970s when oncology as a science became a significant practice in the clinical areas. As the practice of oncology grew in health care settings, physicians focused on providing care for individuals diagnosed with cancer with treatments like surgery, radiation, and novel chemotherapy agents. Physicians treated the physical disease, while oncology nurses cared for, and became specialised in, the assessment and management of side effects and symptoms, and supporting patients and families in coping with the impacts from the disease and treatments. Thus, the oncology nursing speciality focus is on physical, psychosocial, and practical management of patients' care; education of patients and families; and co-ordination of the complex care provided. This article focuses on how the science, or the evidence base, of oncology nursing has grown globally since those early years. The aim of this paper is to illustrate the growth and development in the body of evidence underpinning the oncology nursing specialty by highlighting scientific studies, publications, and evidence-based practice. Over the years, there has been a steady growth in the research evidence supporting the specialty, yet future challenges are ahead. These challenges include demonstrating impact of nursing interventions; infrastructure support; resources for capacity building; building research-mindedness; and strengthening equality, diversity, and inclusion.
Topics: Humans; Oncology Nursing; Nursing Research; Neoplasms; Medical Oncology
PubMed: 38073295
DOI: 10.21037/apm-23-382 -
Oncology Nursing Forum Jul 2019Along with my colleagues, I presented a number of sessions at the 2019 Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) Congress on publishing and how it contributes to career advancement...
Along with my colleagues, I presented a number of sessions at the 2019 Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) Congress on publishing and how it contributes to career advancement and professional fulfillment. Ellen Carr, RN, MSN, AOCN®, editor of the Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing, Leslie McGee, MA, senior editorial manager at ONS, and I talked about various aspects of the publishing process and answered questions from enthusiastic audience members, many of whom had not published before. As we described the process of writing a manuscript, following the instructions for authors, and eventually finding a home for the work, I thought about the important role that editing plays.
Topics: Editorial Policies; Guidelines as Topic; Humans; Nursing Research; Oncology Nursing; Peer Review, Research; Publishing; Research Report; Writing
PubMed: 31225834
DOI: 10.1188/19.ONF.395-396 -
Seminars in Oncology Nursing Jun 2023To review the state of oncology nursing science as it pertains to big data. The authors aim to define and characterize big data, describe key considerations for... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
To review the state of oncology nursing science as it pertains to big data. The authors aim to define and characterize big data, describe key considerations for accessing and analyzing big data, provide examples of analyses of big data in oncology nursing science, and highlight ethical considerations related to the collection and analysis of big data.
DATA SOURCES
Peer-reviewed articles published by investigators specializing in oncology, nursing, and related disciplines.
CONCLUSION
Big data is defined as data that are high in volume, velocity, and variety. To date, oncology nurse scientists have used big data to predict patient outcomes from clinician notes, identify distinct symptom phenotypes, and identify predictors of chemotherapy toxicity, among other applications. Although the emergence of big data and advances in computational methods provide new and exciting opportunities to advance oncology nursing science, several challenges are associated with accessing and using big data. Data security, research participant privacy, and the underrepresentation of minoritized individuals in big data are important concerns.
IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE
With their unique focus on the interplay between the whole person, the environment, and health, nurses bring an indispensable perspective to the interpretation and application of big data research findings. Given the increasing ubiquity of passive data collection, all nurses should be taught the definition, characteristics, applications, and limitations of big data. Nurses who are trained in big data and advanced computational methods will be poised to contribute to guidelines and policies that preserve the rights of human research participants.
Topics: Humans; Big Data; Medical Oncology; Nursing Research; Oncology Nursing; Research Personnel
PubMed: 37085404
DOI: 10.1016/j.soncn.2023.151428 -
Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing Feb 2021This issue of the Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing presents foundational content about clinical oncology care in the environment of a virulent pandemic,...
This issue of the Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing presents foundational content about clinical oncology care in the environment of a virulent pandemic, particularly the COVID-19 pandemic, which continues to overwhelm global health and healthcare delivery systems.
Topics: COVID-19; Humans; Oncology Nursing; Pandemics; Practice Guidelines as Topic; SARS-CoV-2
PubMed: 33480875
DOI: 10.1188/21.CJON.11-12 -
Seminars in Oncology Nursing Dec 2018To introduce effectiveness of tumor treating fields (TTFields), how to care for the patient with this type of treatment, and the critical role the nurse plays in... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
To introduce effectiveness of tumor treating fields (TTFields), how to care for the patient with this type of treatment, and the critical role the nurse plays in educating the patient about this innovative treatment.
DATA SOURCES
Published research and articles in both nursing and medical journals.
CONCLUSION
TTFields are an antimitotic therapy delivered via transducer arrays that are worn on the scalp to treat newly diagnosed and recurrent glioblastoma, the most aggressive primary brain cancer. Oncology nurses are integral in educating and supporting the patient in its use and managing its of treatment.
IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE
Nurses are on the front line of educating the patient, caregivers, and the larger body of clinicians who deliver care to these patients. Education provided by nurses increases the patients' knowledge, and thus compliance, as well as the overall outcome through proper usage of TTFields.
Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Brain Neoplasms; Cell Division; Electric Stimulation Therapy; Female; Glioblastoma; Glioma; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; Oncology Nursing
PubMed: 30413356
DOI: 10.1016/j.soncn.2018.10.007 -
Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer... Mar 2022Effective communication is an important aspect in providing health care. Communications optimize the patient-caregiver relationship and improve patient care and family...
INTRODUCTION
Effective communication is an important aspect in providing health care. Communications optimize the patient-caregiver relationship and improve patient care and family and caregiver welfare. The main objective of this study was to explore nurses' experience of prognosis-related communication (PRC).
METHODS
Phenomenological research design was used to do this study. A total of 248 members of the local oncology nursing association were invited to complete this online survey from January 2016 to March 2016. Then, focus groups were held to discuss and improve themes derived from the analysis of online written responses. Five focus groups were performed, each consisting of 6 to 8 participants. No new data were generated by the fifth focus group and data saturation was achieved. NVivo 11 was used to manage data and facilitate the development of themes.
RESULTS
The participants were almost female, with a mean nursing experience of 13 years and almost 8 years of working experience in oncology ward. Three themes were extracted following data analysis, namely the importance of collaboration, impact of PRC, and communication of prognostic information. One hundred and fifty nurses (60%) reported that they received no formal training or education about PRC.
CONCLUSION
There is a need to improve the knowledge and attitude of physician toward engaging nurses in the process of PRC.
Topics: Caregivers; Communication; Female; Humans; Nurses; Oncology Nursing; Prognosis
PubMed: 35345346
DOI: 10.31557/APJCP.2022.23.3.775 -
Annals of Palliative Medicine Mar 2024Latin America (LATAM) is a large region from Mexico to southern Patagonia in Chile and includes most islands in the Caribbean where Spanish is an official language....
BACKGROUND
Latin America (LATAM) is a large region from Mexico to southern Patagonia in Chile and includes most islands in the Caribbean where Spanish is an official language. Efforts to address nursing specialization in the care of patients with cancer throughout the cancer continuum are described in narratives of oncology nursing struggles and achievements from eight Latin American countries.
METHODS
Contributions by authors from Mexico, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Brazil and Chile are complemented by interview data (in Spanish by a bilingual medical anthropologist) to share the history and present status in the Dominican Republic, Peru and Argentina.
RESULTS
We present stories of the pioneers of oncology nursing and a brief description of health systems in several of the included countries to show the disparate approaches towards cancer control and the context in which the oncology nurses work. We include key demographics and cancer data from the highlighted countries. We follow with descriptions of the formation and importance of oncology nursing associations/societies and share the history of oncology nursing education efforts, scopes of practice and recommendations for improvement in oncology nursing.
CONCLUSIONS
Despite the challenges, oncology nurse leaders across LATAM are determined to raise the standards of care with structured specialization education/training, and to create advanced practice oncology nursing roles. It is critical that the achievements of oncology nurses are nationally acknowledged and appropriately compensated by governments and national and local authorities. The future is now for oncology nursing to be recognized as a critical specialized healthcare workforce to effectively address the growing threat of cancer and to ensure optimal control of this public health crisis across the region.
Topics: Humans; Latin America; Oncology Nursing; Mexico; Neoplasms; Public Health
PubMed: 38509653
DOI: 10.21037/apm-22-1133 -
Clinical & Translational Oncology :... Feb 2017The needs and concerns of patients with advanced breast cancer are changing at every phase of the care intervention. Management and coordination of hospital resources... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
The needs and concerns of patients with advanced breast cancer are changing at every phase of the care intervention. Management and coordination of hospital resources and services are also steadily evolving. The objective of the present expert report is to define a new oncology nursing role specialising in advanced breast cancer, to help guide patients throughout the whole healthcare itinerary.
METHODS
A group of eight experts in oncology nursing and medical oncology defined the content index of the curriculum document. A systematic review of bibliography was carried out, and the relevant contents were extracted. Based on these contents and the participants' experience, recommendations were formulated and validated through a Delphi questionnaire and a participative meeting.
RESULTS
The advanced breast cancer clinical nurse (ABCCN) should develop a clinical, psychosocial role focused on coordinating patients in the healthcare network. The nurse would be in charge of evaluating and supervising the care administered and the healthcare resources used. The ABCCN should be aware and participate in the protocols and available resources, be able to solve conflicts, deal with burn-out signs and have clinical, coaching and team-working abilities. The proposed curriculum provides a specific process for the care of patients, as well as an implementation process.
CONCLUSIONS
The ABCCN's role is crucial to assume the best care and the optimisation of available resources. This review and consensus document provides the required tools for the implementation in hospitals.
Topics: Breast Neoplasms; Curriculum; Disease Management; Female; Humans; Needs Assessment; Oncology Nursing; Practice Guidelines as Topic
PubMed: 27488905
DOI: 10.1007/s12094-016-1530-0 -
Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing Oct 2016After receiving U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval for the treatment of newly diagnosed glioblastoma (GBM) in 2015, following initial approval for treatment of... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
After receiving U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval for the treatment of newly diagnosed glioblastoma (GBM) in 2015, following initial approval for treatment of recurrent GBM in 2011, Optune®, a device that uses tumor-treating fields (TTFields) therapy, continues to gain acceptance in the practice environment.
OBJECTIVES
This article reviews how TTFields differ from traditional GBM treatment approaches and discusses the pivotal role nurses play in helping patients successfully use this therapy. This includes the importance of adherence to daily continuous therapy because adherence optimizes patient outcomes.
METHODS
This article provides oncology nurses with practical guidance to share with patients who are candidates for treatment with TTFields, as well as information to facilitate patients' understanding of the use of Optune and how best to incorporate it into their activities of daily living.
FINDINGS
Nurses are key members of the multidisciplinary treatment team that manages patients with GBM. Therefore, oncology nurses are well equipped to educate patients and caregivers about the use of and benefits of adherence to TTFields.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Electric Stimulation Therapy; Electromagnetic Fields; Female; Glioblastoma; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Nurse's Role; Nursing, Practical; Oncology Nursing; Patient Compliance; Patient Education as Topic; Practice Guidelines as Topic; United States; United States Food and Drug Administration
PubMed: 27668385
DOI: 10.1188/16.CJON.S1.14-19