Nursing role in caring and educating patients with cancer (second part) بالانجليزية
Oncology nurses are involved in all stages of treatment, from diagnosis to end-of-life care. Their responsibilities vary depending on the patient's specific needs, stage of cancer, and treatment. They provide care for cancer patients in various settings, from the hospital ward to the bone marrow transplant unit, through to the community cancer screening programs. Acting as a patient’s first line of communication, they coordinate the various aspects of care during cancer treatment. Oncology nurses focus on patient assessment, education, direct patient care, symptom management, collaboration, and supportive care.
Patient assessments: These include assessing patients experiencing side effects from treatment, reviewing their medical history, performing physical exams, evaluating their health practices, assessing patients pre-, during and post-chemotherapy, assessing their physical and emotional status, and understanding both the patient's and the family's knowledge of the disease and its treatment. Additionally, oncology nurses must be knowledgeable about the outcomes and overall significance of relevant laboratory, pathology, and imaging studies.
Patient education (PE): Patient education can help cancer patients become more involved in their treatment process. This education starts before therapy and continues throughout and after treatment. Educate patients and their families about the disease, treatment plan, and interventions to alleviate nausea and vomiting, such as antiemetics, and interventions to alleviate constipation, and self-care measures. Oncology nurses also provide information on available community cancer services, nutrition, proper skin care, exercise, treatment schedules and lifestyle factors to improve overall health and wellbeing. They also inform patients about necessary preparations for specific treatments, such as having a full bladder for prostate radiation, and reassure them that they are not radioactive during or after treatment. By continuously reinforcing education, patients can better cope with their condition and manage unexpected situations.
Direct patient care: Oncology nurses need to be highly skilled in administering these complex treatments with precision. It is crucial for nurses delivering chemotherapy to ensure that the correct dosage and medication are given to the correct patient, monitor vital signs, manage pain and symptoms, and address any potential adverse reactions or drug interaction
Symptom management: it is a key responsibility for oncology nurses, involving the management of common symptoms related to cancer and its treatment such as pain, nausea, vomiting, and fatigue
Collaboration: They work with doctors, other healthcare workers, and patients and their families to develop and execute a personalized care plan for each individual. They also assist in coordinating care between different healthcare facilities to ensure a continuity of care.
Supportive care: Oncology nurses play a key role in addressing various supportive care needs faced by cancer patients and their families, particularly in pain management and survivorship. They also offer support to patients with anxiety, depression, and other emotional or psychological symptoms related to their disease.
One of the most difficult parts of being an oncology nurse is caring for patients in the final stages of their illness. This involves providing palliative care to manage symptoms and support patients in maintaining their quality of life. Oncology nurses also offer emotional support and guidance to families grieving the loss of a loved one. Throughout it all, these nurses are committed to providing compassionate care to patients and families.
References
Durmuş Sarıkahya, S., Gelin, D., Çınar Özbay, S., & Kanbay, Y. (2023). Experiences and practices of nurses providing palliative and end-of-life care to oncology patients: A Phenomenological study. Florence Nightingale J Nurs, 31(Supp1), 22-30. doi: 10.5152/FNJN.2023.23042. PMID: 37162051; PMCID: PMC10911774.
Rieger, P.T., & Yarbro, C.H. Role of the oncology nurse. In: Kufe DW, Pollock RE, Weichselbaum RR, et al., editors. Holland-Frei Cancer Medicine. 6th edition. Hamilton (ON): BC Decker; 2003. Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK13570/
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