Module 1 - Oncology Nursing

Introduction

This module introduces the learner to the basic physiologic characteristics of cancer biology including epidemiology and pathology, symptoms and disease processes, staging and grading, and incidence. An explanation of primary and secondary cancer prevention and treatment options including radiation, surgery, and use of antineoplastic agents, targeted therapies, and stem cell translations are included. Safe handling of chemotherapy agents along with the nurse’s role in providing safe patient care is explained.

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

• 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.

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

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

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

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.