The role of licensed nursing personnel in radiation oncology part a: results of a descriptive study.
OBJECTIVE
To identify the specific administrative, clerical, patient care, patient education, and research responsibilities that licensed nursing personnel perform in the field of radiation oncology.


METHODS
Descriptive.


METHODS
281 licensed nursing personnel employed in the field of radiation oncology in North America.


METHODS
Subjects completed a six-page, self-administered questionnaire comprised of fixed-choice and open-ended questions.


METHODS
Demographics, employment settings, and administrative, clerical, patient care, patient education, and research responsibilities.


RESULTS
Nurses in radiation oncology tend to be older (41-60 years of age) and considerably well educated, with many years of experience in this field. Nurses are responsible for a wide variety of tasks. The study found a strong demonstration of the role of nurse educator among radiation oncology nurses.


CONCLUSIONS
Radiation oncology nursing is a subspecialty in evolution. The data should provide support for further exploration of how patient education and support influence patient outcomes in radiation oncology.
Moore-Higgs
Giselle J
GJ
Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA. mooregj@shands.ufl.edu
Watkins-Bruner
Deborah
D
Balmer
Laura
L
Johnson-Doneski
Janice
J
Komarny
Paulette
P
Mautner
Beatrice
B
Velji
Karima
K
D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D004506:Education, Nursing / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D005544:Forecasting; D006801:Humans; D007587:Job Description; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009656:North America; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009726:Nurses / Q000600:supply & distribution; D009859:Oncology Nursing / Q000193:education / Q000706:statistics & numerical data* / Q000639:trends; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D018787:Radiation Oncology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012456:Salaries and Fringe Benefits; D017678:Sex Distribution; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D000078329:Workforce