Role of the radiation oncology nurse.
OBJECTIVE
To discuss the role of the radiation oncology nurse as changes in technology and treatment impact care delivery.


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


CONCLUSIONS
Patients receiving cancer treatment today face a myriad of treatment options that can be delivered over days, weeks, and months. As treatments become more complex and standard chemotherapy regimens are combined with new agents and targeted agents, radiation oncology nurses need to have the knowledge and skills to accurately assess and intervene. The radiation oncology nurse is the cornerstone of patient advocacy, care, and education.


CONCLUSIONS
Changes in treatment and technology continue to drive cancer care. Radiation oncology nurses need to collaborate with colleagues and incorporate evidence into practice.
Gosselin-Acomb
Tracy K
TK
Oncology Services, Duke University Hospital, Duke University School of Nursing, Durham, NC 27710, USA. gosse001@mc.duke.edu
D002983:Clinical Competence; D003142:Communication; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005544:Forecasting; D006801:Humans; D007255:Information Services; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D016294:Models, Nursing; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000451:nursing / Q000532:radiotherapy; D009720:Nurse Clinicians / Q000193:education / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000523:psychology; D024802:Nurse's Role / Q000523:psychology; D009723:Nurse-Patient Relations; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D015403:Nursing Evaluation Research; D048108:Nursing Informatics; D009859:Oncology Nursing / Q000193:education / Q000458:organization & administration*; D009936:Organizational Innovation; D010344:Patient Advocacy; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D011321:Primary Nursing / Q000458:organization & administration; D018787:Radiation Oncology / Q000193:education / Q000458:organization & administration*; D011878:Radiotherapy / Q000451:nursing*