Advocating Practice: the Role of the Community Oncology Nurse

Abstract

The oncology nurse, along with many other expert practitioners, has a vital role within the community, and due to the many changes within the health system, it will be an even more crucial role in the future. Little is written about the role of the community oncology nurse, which may endanger its very existence. Several nurse scholars as Benner (1984) Johnstone (1999) and Taylor (2000) support and encourage nurses to tell their stories and increase public awareness of their practice. The primary aim of this research was to advocate for, and make known, the role of the community oncology nurse, and to bring alive the hidden but real issues of nursing people in the community who have active cancer treatment. This study is also about my journey from novice to expert in developing the role as a community oncology nurse. The research also aimed to identify and understand practice that community oncology nurses do and often take for granted. To capture the essence of this study the method of reflective topical autobiography was utilized, which gave the opportunity to gather advanced nursing inquiry, and generate new nursing knowledge. To obtain insight into the highs and lows in everyday interaction with patients, reflective practice stories are presented. The thesis generated by this research is that care required by cancer patients at home goes beyond the scope of traditional community health. It requires nurses to be competent in technological skills as well as bringing in-depth expertise to the practical and human needs of people experiencing cancer. The role involves holistic, family-centered care; anticipating patient and family needs; educating; managing symptoms; advocating; confronting ethical issues; coordinating complex care; and monitoring progress.