Oncology Nursing and Cancer Care

Community Oncology Nursing

In response to a need for care, a local oncology nursing program is to provide health services to patients receiving comprehensive cancer therapy. Local nurses extended their work and became partners in the treatment of these patients with day-to-day oncology nurses. Professional nurses have developed the ability and confidence in the professional to provide cancer care safely. The commissioned service showed year-on-year hospital-based care reductions, increased care provision closer to home, and improved patient satisfaction. This initiative shows that established elements of acute cancer care can be provided safely in the community as long as it provides training and support.