The nursing role in radiation oncology.
OBJECTIVE
To reflect on the historical evolution of radiation oncology nursing.


METHODS
Published articles and texts, historical archives of professional organizations, and the authors' experience.


CONCLUSIONS
The radiation oncology nursing role is multifaceted. Role components include patient assessment, patient education, support and counseling, physical care, continuity of care, research, and administrative and leadership activities. There is wide variation in staffing patterns and role implementation throughout the world, and in recent years there has been increasing interest in the development of advanced practice nursing roles in this specialized area of oncology.


CONCLUSIONS
Changes in the health care environment make it difficult to predict how the role of the nurse in radiation oncology will evolve in the future. Radiation oncology nurses will need to be proactive in developing the knowledge and skills needed to meet the challenges of the future.
Shepard
N
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Marin Cancer Institute, Marin General Hospital, San Rafael, CA, USA.
Kelvin
J F
JF
D002983:Clinical Competence; D005544:Forecasting; D006801:Humans; D007587:Job Description; D009720:Nurse Clinicians / Q000193:education / Q000458:organization & administration; D009736:Nursing Process; D015399:Nursing Research; D009859:Oncology Nursing / Q000193:education / Q000458:organization & administration*; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D017009:Professional Autonomy; D011878:Radiotherapy / Q000451:nursing*