title: Undergraduate preparation of the oncology nurse.
abstract: Determining appropriate cancer-related content for undergraduate nursing curricula requires careful consideration of content that is needed versus content that is desired for the nurse generalist. Studies have indicated a wide variety of topics and time allotment for this content among schools of nursing. Innovative strategies using games, computers, preceptors, and elective courses have allowed schools of nursing to include more comprehensive coverage of oncology-related topics. Issues concerning clinical oncology nursing opportunities for undergraduate studies still need to be clarified. Undergraduate students must be afforded the legitimacy of their status as novices in nursing and in the specialty of oncology. Didactic and clinical experiences should result in the knowledge and skills needed to develop professionally from novice to expert.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Pierce
mesh_terms: D003479:Curriculum; D003625:Data Collection; D004507:Education, Nursing, Associate / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards*; D004508:Education, Nursing, Baccalaureate / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards*; D004510:Education, Nursing, Diploma Programs / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D015402:Nursing Education Research; D009859:Oncology Nursing / Q000193:education*; D014481:United States