Presentation Description:
Nurses have always been at the centre of the health care system, having the most direct interface with patients and families. Oncology nurses are well positioned to examine care from a longitudinal perspective since our patients and families require frequent visits for a prolonged period as part of their treatment. Patient/family centred care is a core competency of oncology nursing as is advocacy. Oncology nurses, nested within the interprofessional team, can identify barriers to excellent care, advocate for required changes and work to implement innovations in care to improve outcomes. This presentation explored the role of oncology nurses in championing quality, holistic care for patients and families using exemplars from the literature, as well as cases from current clinical practice.
Speaker:
Lynn Kachuik, RN, BA, MS, CON(C), CHPCN(C)
Advanced Practice Nurse, Palliative Care
Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa