Should two senior cancer-nursing posts be integrated as one leadership function?
Uncertainty exists regarding the roles of the nurse consultant in cancer and palliative care and the lead cancer nurse. This article argues that there are advantages in combining the two posts. The discussion draws on relevant literature and argues that both posts have the same outcomes, which are achieved through different means and approaches to the delivery of cancer services. In order to make the combined post work within a trust, a particular support and structure is required. There may be a greater potential for cancer nursing because the leadership role combines the strategic perspective of the lead cancer nurse with the nurse consultant's focus on practice development and the professional development of staff.
McEnvoy
Mel
M
North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Trust, Room 322, Third Floor, Old Maternity Block, Hardwick, Stockton on Tees TS19 8PE, UK.
Mullan
Aidan
A
D004509:Education, Nursing, Continuing; D005181:Faculty, Nursing / Q000458:organization & administration; D006801:Humans; D007318:Inservice Training; D007587:Job Description; D007857:Leadership; D020380:Needs Assessment; D009718:Nurse Administrators / Q000458:organization & administration*; D009720:Nurse Clinicians / Q000458:organization & administration*; D024802:Nurse's Role; D015403:Nursing Evaluation Research; D009859:Oncology Nursing / Q000193:education / Q000458:organization & administration*; D010166:Palliative Care / Q000458:organization & administration*; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D013192:Staff Development; D006113:United Kingdom