Advanced practice nursing in radiation oncology.
OBJECTIVE
To discuss the roles of advance practice nurses in radiation oncology.


METHODS
Published articles and textbooks, personal communications, and authors' experience.


CONCLUSIONS
Radiation oncology advance practice nurses (NP and CNS) are becoming essential members of the multidisciplinary team, with distinct roles and responsibilities. Providing direct patient care, involvement in specialized procedures, and conducting initial and/or follow-up visits allows advance practitioners to become more involved with patients undergoing radiation therapy.


CONCLUSIONS
As more combined modalities are being offered to patients undergoing oncology treatments and the complexity of patients are becoming more difficult, advance practice nurses can add value to the workload, quality patient care, and make a difference in patient's lives.
Carper
Elise
E
Radiation Oncology, Beth Israel Hospital, New York, NY, USA.
Haas
Marilyn
M
D039602:After-Hours Care / Q000458:organization & administration; D000359:Aftercare / Q000458:organization & administration; D001918:Brachytherapy / Q000451:nursing; D002568:Certification; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D004511:Education, Nursing, Graduate; D006801:Humans; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000451:nursing / Q000532:radiotherapy; D009720:Nurse Clinicians / Q000193:education / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000523:psychology; D009722:Nurse Practitioners / Q000193:education / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000523:psychology; D024802:Nurse's Role / Q000523:psychology; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D015403:Nursing Evaluation Research; D009859:Oncology Nursing / Q000193:education / Q000458:organization & administration*; D010348:Patient Care Team / Q000458:organization & administration; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D017009:Professional Autonomy; D018787:Radiation Oncology / Q000193:education / Q000458:organization & administration*; D011878:Radiotherapy / Q000451:nursing