Oncology Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Oncology, including details on cancer, surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy.

Advanced practice nursing in radiation oncology.

Carper E, Haas M

Beth Israel Hospital, New York, NY and Mountain Radiation Oncology, Asheville, NC.

OBJECTIVES: To discuss the roles of advance practice nurses in radiation oncology. DATA SOURCES: Published articles and textbooks, personal communications, and authors' experience. CONCLUSION: Radiation oncology advance practice nurses (NP and CNS) are becoming essential members of the multidisciplinary team, with distinct roles and responsibilities. Providing direct patient care, involvement in specialized procedures, and conducting initial and/or follow-up visits allows advance practitioners to become more involved with patients undergoing radiation therapy. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: As more combined modalities are being offered to patients undergoing oncology treatments and the complexity of patients are becoming more difficult, advance practice nurses can add value to the workload, quality patient care, and make a difference in patient's lives.

Published 10 November 2006 in Semin Oncol Nurs, 22(4): 203-11.
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