Oncology Nursing

DISCLAIMER: This content is designed to enhance the study of nursing. This content is generic and is not designed to take into account the specific objectives, needs, and/or circumstances of any particular region or country. To become a nurse, learners must successfully complete a program of study approved by the government or state-regulatory agency in their place of residence. We cannot guarantee that the successful completion of these materials will enable you to practice in your place of residence. Make sure that you are in compliance with the scope of practice of your regulatory body before attempting to put into use or practice any of the knowledge gained.

Introduction

This Oncology Nursing Course is designed to provide the learner with an understanding of cancer in the local, regional and global context and the need for nurses with specialized knowledge, skills, and attitudes to provide safe, competent, quality care to individuals. 

The four (4) modules are designed to help nurses: 

1. Deliver care that is evidence-based enabling them to practice with accurate scientific knowledge, a solid nursing science foundation, excellent communication, and an understanding of the healthcare system for policy development as they work to prevent, identify, and treat patients with cancer.

2. Identify current treatments in interventional and pharmacological therapeutics with a focus on evidence-based holistic nursing care.

3. Place emphasis on the development of sound clinical judgment, critical thinking and collaborative care to achieve optimal outcomes for their patients.

4. Apply safeguards to support a safe practice environment for both patients and healthcare workers.

Approximate time for completion of this course is 153 hours at an average reading rate of 144 words/minute.                                                   

                                                                                                    

                                                                              

The Oncology Nursing course is sponsored by the Innovative Cancer Care Foundation (ICCF) and was developed in partnership with Nurses International (NI) and NextGenU.org (NGU).  NextGenU.org courses are competency-based and use learning resources from accredited, world-class organizations such as the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the U.S. National Institutes of Health,  the World Health Organization, the Pan American Health Organization, and International Guidelines, Universities, and peer-reviewed Journals. The Moodle Learning Management System (LMS) is utilized for facilitating distance learning. The course was designed by NextGenU’s Instructional Design team and Nurses International’s team members with particular thanks to Kathleen Capone MS, RN CNE, EdD; Stacen Keating PhD, RN; Lillian A Donnelly RN, MSN, NPD-BC; Lori Kerley, DNP, MS, RN; Caitlin M. Cartmell, MFS, BSN, RN; and Jordan Wilson, MSN, RN-BC. 

Engaging with this course

• Nurse Educators may register to review all of the course content, and they may instruct students to register for this course by completing the registration form.
• Nurse Educators may contact NextGenU.org and request to use the platform with their students for free using the contact form. 
• Begin the course with Module 1. For each lesson, read the description.
• Each lesson comprises introductory remarks. You may click on the collections of resources in each section. 
• There is a final quiz to assess your understanding of important concepts. Click on the hyperlinks to take you to these items in each topic.
• This content is designed to enhance the study of nursing. To become a nurse, learners must successfully complete a program of study approved by the government or state-regulatory agency in their place of residence.

Requirements to obtain the certificate

You may browse this course for free for your personal enrichment. There are no requirements.

To obtain a certificate, a learner must successfully complete:

• all reading requirements
• all lessons quizzes
• all discussion forums
• the final exam with a minimum of 80% and a maximum of 2 attempts and
• the self and course evaluation forms

Student Learning Outcomes:

1. Describe the concepts of normal and cancer cell growth, proliferation, differentiation, and regulatory mechanisms.
   
2. Define the characteristics of benign and malignant cells and tumors.
3. Recognize the genetic, immunological, and hormonal basis of cancer.
4. Describe processes of invasion and metastases.
   
5. List common classification systems for cancer.
   

6. Compare and contrast common methods for diagnosing, staging, and grading cancer.

Approximate time required for the readings for this lesson (at 144 words/minute): 1 hour and 47 minutes.

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Student Learning Outcomes:

1. Recognize the concepts of applied radiation physics and radiation biology.
2. Describe the factors influencing the selection of radiotherapy for cancer.
3. Discuss the role of radiotherapy in the treatment and palliation of cancer.
4. List the methods for delivering radiotherapy.
5. Describe the radiation safety principles to limit exposure to ionizing radiation for radiotherapy personnel, people affected by cancer, and the general public.
6. Identify upcoming radiotherapy alternatives for cancer management.
7. Identify the impact of radiotherapy on various aspects of the patients overall health.
8. Describe the prevention, detection, and management of common health alterations experienced by people undergoing radiotherapy for cancer.
   

Approximate time required for the readings for this lesson (at 144 words/minute): 1 hour and 39 minutes.

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Student Learning Outcomes:

1. Identify hazardous drugs related to cancer treatment.
2. Describe the risk of exposure to hazardous drugs and its consequences.
3. Describe use of personal protective equipment (PPE), spill cleanup and waste disposal of hazardous drugs in cancer treatment.

Approximate time required for the readings for this lesson (at 144 words/minute): 2 hours and 4 minutes.

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Student Learning Outcomes:

1. Identify cancer treatment procedures that affect skin integrity of the patient.
2. Describe how skin integrity is assessed and cared for in cancer patients.
3. Explain the concept of maintenance of tissue integrity for cancer patient in nursing care management and planning.
4. Identify information for patient education/counselling on self-care related to skin integrity.

Approximate time required for the readings for this lesson (at 144 words/minute): 1 hour and 54 minutes.

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Student Learning Outcomes:

1. Recognize the importance of promoting nutrition for the cancer patient in nursing care management and planning .
2. Identify the main cancer treatment-related nutrition issues.
3. Describe how well nutrition is assessed and addressed in cancer patients.
4. Identify different nutrition therapy strategies in cancer patients.
5. Identify information for patient education/counselling on self-care related to nutrition.

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Student Learning Outcomes:

1. Define the concept and characteristics of pain in cancer care.
2. Describe the classifications and mechanisms of pain of cancer patients.
3. Describe pain assessment techniques and tools used in cancer care.
4. Describe pharmacological pain management in cancer patients.
5. Identify interventions for the management of side effects from pain medication in cancer patients.
6. Identify non-pharmacological pain management in cancer patients.
7. Identify information for patient education/counseling on pain management at home.

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Student Learning Outcomes:

1. Define the fatigue and weakness normally experienced by cancer patients.
2. Describe the methods to assess fatigue and weakness.
3. Use methods of non-pharmacological and pharmacological interventions to address the fatigue generally experienced by cancer patients.
4. Identify information for patient education/counselling on fatigue management at home.

Approximate time required for the readings for this lesson (at 144 words/minute): 1 hour and 34 minutes.

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Student Learning Outcomes:

1. Describe the definition of self-esteem and body image.
2. Identify patient's concerns regarding body image and self-esteem as a consequence of cancer treatment.
3. Discuss ways to improve body image and self-esteem in the nursing management of cancer patients.
4. Identify information for patient education/counseling on self-esteem management and positive image at home.

Approximate time required for the readings for this lesson (at 144 words/minute): 41 minutes.

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Student Learning Outcomes:

1. Identify the common side effects of chemotherapy and radiation cancer therapies. 
2. Identify causes, signs/symptoms, and diagnostic factors of anemia in cancer patients.
3. Describe the management of anemia in cancer patients
4. Describe the nurse's role in the management of anemia in cancer patients.

Approximate time required for the readings for this lesson (at 144 words/minute): 1 hour and 9 minutes

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Student Learning Outcomes:

1. Define thrombocytopenia.
2. Identify causes, signs/symptoms, and diagnostic factors of thrombocytopenia and bleeding in cancer patients.
3. Describe the management of thrombocytopenia/bleeding in cancer patients.
4. Describe the nurse's role in the management of thrombocytopenia/bleeding in cancer patients.

Approximate time required for the readings for this lesson (at 144 words/minute): 44 minutes.

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Students Learning Outcomes:

1. Describe neutropenia and mouth/throat problems as side effects related to cancer and cancer treatment.
2. Describe the management of these side effects.
3. Describe the nurse's role in the management of these side effects.

Approximate time required for the readings for this lesson (at 144 words/minute): 51 minutes.

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Students Learning Outcomes:

1. Describe extravasation and peripheral neuropathy as side effects related to cancer and cancer treatment.
2. Identify risk factors, signs, and symptoms of extravasation and peripheral neuropathy in cancer treatment.
3. Describe the management of these side effects.
4. Describe the nurse's role in the management of these side effects.

Approximate time required for the readings for this lesson (at 144 words/minute): 1 hour and 33 minutes.

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Students Learning Outcomes:

1. Define patient education.
2. Discuss nurse's role in provision of patient education.
3. Identify benefits of patient education in cancer patients.
4. Describe evidence-based approaches and process of patient education.

Approximate time required for the readings for this lesson (at 144 words/minute): 1 hour and 2 minutes.

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Students Learning Outcomes:

1. Describe the role of spirituality and cross-cultural beliefs and practices surrounding death.
2. Identify the various aspects of providing support and comfort to terminally ill patients.
3. Recognize common emergencies in oncology.
4. Describe actions to address common oncology emergencies.
5. Describe nurse's role in end-of-life planning and Advanced Directives
6. Provide insights on Legacy and Life Review Projects.
7. Describe the nurse's role in respect to funeral practices, rituals, and legalities.

Approximate time required for the readings for this lesson (at 144 words/minute): 1 hour and 3 minutes.

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Students Learning Outcomes:

1. Describe the main principles of Nursing practice ethics.
2. Identify the provisions of the Nursing Code of Ethics specific guidance for nursing practice.
3. Discuss the role and challenges of nursing ethics in oncology.
4. Discuss the ethical issues and dilemmas that oncology nurses face in oncology nursing practice.
5. Compare and contrast different ethical problem-solving strategies.

Approximate time required for the readings for this lesson (at 144 words/minute): 36 minutes.

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Students Learning Outcomes:

1. Define the scope of nursing practice.
2. Recognize the provision of nursing care within the scope of practice.
3. Discuss the liabilities and limitations such as negligence and malpractice in the scope of nursing oncology practice.
4. Identify the ethical considerations in the documentation and medical record-keeping.
5.  Identify the legal considerations in the documentation and medical record-keeping.
6. Discuss the role of documentation and medical record-keeping in oncology nursing.

Approximate time required for the readings for this lesson (at 144 words/minute): 43 minutes.

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Students Learning Outcomes:

1. Explain the underlying pathophysiology of cardiac tamponade. 
2. Describe the scope of the problem including the incidence, etiology, and risk factors for this oncologic emergency. 
3. List the clinical manifestations that are associated with this emergency situation. 
4. Explain the nursing assessment for cardiac tamponade.
5. List the nursing role to address cardiac tamponade in a timely and effective manner.

Approximate time required for the readings for this lesson (at 144 words/minute): 12 minutes.

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Student Learning Outcomes:

1. Explain the underlying pathophysiology of Disseminated Intravascular Coagulopathy (DIC).
2. Describe the risk factors associated with DIC.
3. List the clinical manifestations (signs and symptoms) associated with DIC. 
4. Explain the nursing assessment for DIC.
5. Characterize the nursing interventions and supportive care important to address this problem in a timely and effective manner.

Approximate time required for the readings for this lesson (at 144 words/minute): 20 minutes.

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Students Learning Outcomes:

1. Explain the underlying pathophysiology of Hypercalcemia of Malignancy. 
2. Describe the scope of the problem including the incidence, etiology, and risk factors for this oncologic emergency. 
3.  List the clinical manifestations that are associated with this emergency situation. 
4. Explain the nursing assessment including relevant diagnostic tests.
5. Characterize the nursing interventions and supportive care important to address this problem in a timely and effective manner.

Approximate time required for the readings for this lesson (at 144 words/minute): 39 minutes.

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Students Learning Outcomes:

1. Explain the underlying pathophysiology of septic shock. 
2. Describe the scope of the problem including etiology and risk factors for this oncologic emergency. 
3. List the clinical manifestations that are associated with this emergency situation. 
4. Explain the nursing assessment for septic shock including relevant diagnostic tests.
5. Characterize the nursing interventions and supportive care important to address this problem in a timely and effective manner.

Approximate time required for the readings for this lesson (at 144 words/minute): 52 minutes.

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Students Learning Outcomes:

1. Explain the underlying pathophysiology of Spinal Cord Compression. 
2. Describe the scope of the problem including the etiology and risk factors for this oncologic emergency. 
3. List the clinical manifestations that are associated with this emergency situation. 
4. Explain the nursing assessment for spinal cord compression including relevant diagnostic tests.
5. Characterize the nursing interventions and supportive care important to address this problem in a timely and effective manner.

Approximate time required for the readings for this lesson (at 144 words/minute): 35 minutes.

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Students Learning Outcomes:

1. Explain the underlying pathophysiology of Increased Intracranial Pressure (ICP).
2. Describe the scope of the problem including the etiology and risk factors for this oncologic emergency. 
3. List the clinical manifestations associated with this emergency situation. 
4. Explain the nursing assessment for ICP including relevant diagnostic tests.
5. Characterize the nursing interventions and supportive care important to address this problem in a timely and effective manner.

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Students Learning Outcomes:

1. Explain the underlying pathophysiology of Superior Vena Cava Syndrome. 
2. Describe the scope of the problem including the etiology and risk factors for this oncologic emergency. 
3. List the clinical manifestations that are associated with this emergency situation. 
4. Explain the nursing assessment for superior vena cava syndrome including relevant diagnostic tests.
5. Characterize the nursing interventions and supportive care important to address this problem in a timely and effective manner.

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Students Learning Outcomes:

1. Explain the underlying pathophysiology of SIADH. 
2. Describe the scope of the problem including the incidence, etiology, and risk factors for this oncologic emergency. 
3. List the clinical manifestations that are associated with this emergency situation. 
4. Explain the nursing assessment for SIADH including relevant diagnostic tests.
5. Characterize the nursing interventions and supportive care important to address this problem in a timely and effective manner.

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Students Learning Outcomes: 

1. Explain the underlying pathophysiology of Tumor Lysis Syndrome. 
2. Describe the scope of the problem including the incidence, etiology and risk factors for this oncologic emergency. 
3. List the clinical manifestations that are associated with this emergency situation. 
4. Explain the nursing assessment for Tumor Lysis Syndrome including relevant diagnostic tests.
5. Characterize the nursing interventions and supportive care important to address this problem in a timely and effective manner.

Approximate time required for the readings for this lesson (at 144 words/minute): 29 minutes.

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Students Learning Outcomes:

1. Explain the underlying pathophysiology of hemorrhagic cystitis. 
2. Describe the scope of the problem including the incidence, etiology, and risk factors for this oncologic emergency. 
3. List the clinical manifestations that are associated with this emergency situation. 
4. Explain the nursing assessment for hemorrhagic cystitis including relevant diagnostic tests.
5. Characterize the nursing interventions and supportive care important to address this problem in a timely and effective manner.

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Students Learning Outcomes:

1. Explain the underlying pathophysiology of Anaphylaxis. 
2. Describe the scope of the problem including the incidence, etiology, and risk factors for this oncologic emergency. 
3. List the clinical manifestations that are associated with this emergency situation. 
4. Explain the nursing assessment for Anaphylaxis including relevant diagnostic tests.
5. Characterize the nursing interventions and supportive care important to address this problem in a timely and effective manner.

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This unit addresses the skills the nurses need related to cancer prevention and treatment including effective communication, knowledge of change and conflict management, and use of technology. The concepts of critical thinking and clinical judgment along with learning agility and self-care are introduced as essential skills needed by the oncologic nurse. The importance of cultural competence and the identification of unconscious bias is introduced as key elements in nursing practice.

Student Learning Outcomes:

1. Describe the fundamentals of communicating clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. 
2. Summarize the principles of facilitation skills to help in decision making. 
3. Describe the learning needs of the adult learner
4. Describe the principles to effectively teach virtual coaching/learning situations to inspire and engage team members. 
5. Use skills to effective coaching in individual and group situations to inspire and engage team members.

Approximate time required for the readings for this lesson (at 144 words/minute): 2 hours and 38 minutes.

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Student Learning Outcomes:

1. Define Evidence Based Practice (EBP). 
2. Discuss the significance of EBP to positive patient outcomes. 
3. Describe the components and process of EBP.
4. Explain the role of nursing research in patient care.

Approximate time required for the readings for this lesson (at 144 words/minute): 1 hour and 33 minutes.

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Student Learning Outcomes:

1. Describe several change theories.
2. Explain the change process. 
3. Describe what is meant by learning organizations
4. Identify strategies to bring about change.

Approximate time required for the readings for this lesson (at 144 words/minute): 2 hours and 8 minutes.

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Student Learning Outcomes:

1. Define Critical Thinking, Clinical Reasoning, and Clinical Judgment.
2. Identify the components of Critical Thinking. 
3. Explain the relationship of Critical Thinking, Critical Reasoning, and Clinical  Judgment.

Approximate time required for the readings for this lesson (at 144 words/minute): 49 minutes.

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Student Learning Outcomes:

1. Describe conflict management and its benefits in health workplace.
2. Describe the optimal environment for dialogue in conflict management and resolution.
3. Describe communication skills to manage a conflict taking into account the roles of those involved.

Approximate time required for the readings for this lesson (at 144 words/minute): 48 Minutes

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Student Learning Outcomes:

1. Identify the significance of technology related to patient care. 
2. Describe various types of technology resources.
3. Explore the elements of systematic inquiry.
4. Describe the nurse’s role in the use of technology resources related to patient care and outcomes. 
5. Explore future trends in information technology in healthcare.

Approximate time required for the readings for this lesson (at 144 words/minute): 2 hours and 12 minutes

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Student Learning Outcomes:

1. Define learning agility.
2. Describe the importance of learning agility in oncology nursing.
3. Describe the dimensions of learning agility and the practices for assessing learning.
4. Identify the capabilities needed to perform in a new situation.

Approximate time required for the readings for this lesson (at 144 words/minute): 22 minutes.

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Student Learning Outcomes:

1. Describe the concept of compassion fatigue, triggers, signs and symptoms, and treatment.
   
2. Compare and contrast self-care practices that promote psychological and physical well-being.
   
3. Describe stress management techniques such as yoga, meditation, mindfulness, journaling.
   

Approximate time required for the readings for this lesson (at 144 words/minute): 12 minutes.

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Student Learning Outcomes:

1. Define Implicit and explicit bias.
2. Describe the concept of implicit bias on the judgment and behavior of health practices.
3. Recognize nursing's best practices to avoid and address the implicit biases.

Approximate time required for the readings for this lesson (at 144 words/minute): 1 hour and 19 minutes.

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Student Learning Outcomes:

1. Describe the South African healthcare system 
   
2. Describe how Medical Aid Schemes function. 
   
3. Define Prescribed Minimum Benefits.
   
4. Define a “treatable” cancer.
   

Approximate time required for the readings for this lesson (at 144 words/minute): 0 hour.

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