Degree Name

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Document Type

Major Paper

School

School of Nursing

Department

Nursing

Date of Original Version

2019

Abstract

The advances in cancer research with medical treatments and early detection practices have improved the survival of cancer patients as they are living longer and the rate of cancer survivors are increasing steadily. Cancer survivors may experience residual side effects from cancer or its treatment. These side effects may be disabling acutely or long-term causing physical and psychological effects that can negatively affect quality of life. There is a need for extended follow-up care for cancer survivors beyond solely just receiving treatment for cancer. Nurses and nurse practitioners can make a huge impact on the quality of life for cancer survivors by providing education, symptom management, promoting healthy lifestyles, preventative care, emotional support, and cancer surveillance. Research has shown that knowledge and competence in cancer survivorship care exist. The purpose of this project was to examine oncology nurses and nurse practitioner’s self-perception of competence in cancer survivorship care. A survey questionnaire “Caring for patients living with and beyond cancer competency tool” was administered to nurses and nurse practitioners at the outpatient oncology institute. The survey measured self-perception of competence in the areas of clinical practice, symptom management, care coordination, and proactive management. Twenty-nine participants (n=29), twenty-five nurses and four nurse practitioners completed the survey. Results indicated self-perception of knowledge deficits in certain areas of cancer survivorship care. The findings support the need for continuing education and training to give nurses and nurse practitioners the knowledge and skills to care for a growing population of cancer survivors.

Included in

Nursing Commons

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