Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDSs) are a group of hematologic diseases that present unique challenges for oncology nurses, especially because patients with the disorders are being seen more often in oncology practices. An increasing array of therapeutic options are available, and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network published its first clinical practice guidelines for MDSs in 2004. This arti...

Oncology nurses increasingly are being asked about medication insurance coverage for oral chemotherapy agents and other medications. In small clinic and office settings, nurses often are key providers of this information. Nurses need to be informed about Medicare's medication reimbursement guidelines and able to identify resources for patients. Resources may include pharmaceutical manufacturers...

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES To identify the ways oncology nurses in one state advocate for patients, as well as the resources they use to do so. DESIGN Descriptive, cross-sectional survey. SETTING North Carolina. SAMPLE 141 RNs in North Carolina who were members of the Oncology Nursing Society (ONS). METHODS Subjects completed a two-page, self-administered questionnaire comprised of fixed-choice...

PURPOSE Testicular cancer occurs at a time in a man's life when major social life changes are occurring and when body image, fertility, sexual desire and performance can be central issues. Oncology nurses, as members of the multidisciplinary team, are in an ideal position to address men's concerns. The aim of this study was to investigate oncology nurses' self-perceived knowledge and comfort in...

Cancer prevalence is increasing in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. While the exact etiology of this trend is unknown, it can perhaps be partially attributed to an increased life expectancy and changes in lifestyle habits. One of the main challenges to the provision of appropriate cancer and palliative care is the critical shortage of oncology healthcare professionals, including nurses. The Kingdom...

The study compared certified nurses with noncertified nurses for symptom management of nausea, vomiting, and pain; patient satisfaction; and nurse satisfaction to determine the effect of certification in oncology nursing on those nursing-sensitive outcomes. A total of 93 nurses-35 (38%) of them certified in oncology nursing-and 270 patients completed surveys. Chart audits provided additional da...

OBJECTIVE The administration of chemotherapy forms a major part of the clinical role of oncology nurses. When a mistake is made during chemotherapy administration, admitting and reporting the error timely could save the lives of cancer patients. The main objective of this study was to assess the perceptions of oncology nurses about why chemotherapy administration errors are not reported. METH...

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES To explore patients' quality of life (QOL) as defined by RNs in adult and pediatric oncology settings and to examine, from the perspectives of clinical nurses, the knowledge that is needed to apply QOL research outcomes in clinical practice. DESIGN Qualitative research design using a focus group technique to explore the research questions. SETTING Three sites (i.e., a ped...

This article provides oncology nurses with an overview of high-dose-rate brachytherapy for the treatment of prostate cancer. Many treatment options are available for men diagnosed with prostate cancer. Oncology nurses must know about this potential treatment option so they can provide appropriate education, support, and self-care management advice. Program requirements, patient eligibility, and...

Oncology nurses have always known that a diagnosis of cancer impacts the psychosocial well-being of a person. And, often, oncology nurses are the ones who detect psychosocial concerns in patients, as well as noticing changes-often subtle differences in a patient's usual manner-which require further assessment and possibly referral or treatment.