Cancer Nursing - Views from the Field

04 Aug 2009
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A presentation providing an overview of a study undertaken by the Cancer Institute NSW on the state's cancer nursing workforce.

Major themes:

  1. What defines cancer nursing in NSW?
  2. What are the challenges for cancer nurses in NSW?
  3. What is different about cancer nursing?

Heart of cancer nursing

  • Patient relationships and care through the patient journey
  • Relationships with and recognition of expertise by other cancer professionals
  • Optimism about the future of cancer nursing
  • Cancer nurses are passionately committed to their speciality

Minds of cancer nurses

  • Complex and innovative nature of work important
  • Autonomy of clinical practice, sense of accomplishment and use of clinical skills valued
  • Commitment to professional development and career progression

Voices of cancer nurses

  • Concerns about workload and emotional strain
  • Perception that cancer nursing is sometimes misunderstood by those outside the speciality
  • Important to communicate and advocate to others the positive and rewarding professional and personal aspects of cancer nursing
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