1,721,031 research outputs found
Emergence and evolvement of the clinical nurse specialist role in cancer care
No full textThis chapter focuses on the emergence and evolvement of the clinical nurse specialist role. It commences by setting the context of how this role emerged as one of the advanced practice nurse roles outlined in Chapter 1. The components of the clinical nurse specialist role will be provided, highlighting geographical variations. There will be a discussion of recommendations with regards to educational requirements. Outcomes associated with this role will be outlined. Content will be highlighted related to the components of the role in cancer nursing, which provides the foundation for subsequent chapters.</p
Evolvement of advanced nursing practice
No full textThis chapter will focus on the emergence and evolvement of advanced nursing practice. The historical context of the inauguration of nursing as a profession and the subsequent regulation of nursing will be outlined. The rationale for the development of advanced nursing practice will be explored, leading to a focus on one component of this concept: advanced practice nurse roles. The nomenclature associated with advanced practice nurse roles will be outlined, leading to an introduction to the emergence of the specialist nursing workforce, specifically the clinical nurse specialist, which will be the focus of Chapter 2.</p
Symptom management
No full textCancer and its treatment can cause multiple symptoms, which may lead to significant distress for patients and their families. Clinical nurse specialists (CNS)s have a vital role in the delivery of cancer care by providing supportive care and symptom advice. This requires CNSs to have the knowledge and skills to accurately assess, safely manage and evaluate interventions to alleviate symptoms. This can be challenging in cancer care due to patient complexity, multiple drug regimens and symptom burden. This chapter will discuss the role of the CNS in the assessment and management of four common symptoms that may be experienced by individuals with cancer: pain, breathlessness, nausea and vomiting and constipation. It will also highlight the need for CNSs to carefully consider contra-indications and side effects before advising on any pharmacological treatment and the importance of seeking additional support when symptoms are persistent or complex.</p
Nurse-led clinics
No full textNurse-led clinics play a significant role in cancer follow-up reviews and consultations, and support the delivery of effective cancer services. The clinical nurse specialist is one of the advanced practice nurse roles that pioneered the development of nurse-led clinics. Nurse-led clinics have reported positive outcomes for patients, the healthcare professional undertaking the clinic and the healthcare organisation.</p
Cancer in the adolescent and young adult
No full textAdolescents and young adults with cancer are a distinct group with specific needs unique to their physical and psycho-social development. This period of life can be challenging at the best of times, as young people develop their own independence in life, but a cancer diagnosis can result in additional significant challenges, posing a risk of isolation, psychological distress, educational or vocational failure as well as leading to long-term health concerns in adult life. This chapter will discuss some of the key skills and attributes of the clinical nurse specialist (CNS) required to provide age-appropriate care for this patient group, such as person- and family-centred individualised holistic care, acting as a key worker, collaborative multidisciplinary working, age-appropriate communication, improvements to the hospital environment and opportunities for peer support. The CNS is in a key position to advocate for the needs of teenagers and young adults, enhancing outcomes for young people.</p
Key worker role
No full textEach individual with a diagnosis of cancer should be allocated a key worker to improve continuity and coordination of care. The key worker role is often an important component of clinical nurse specialists in cancer services, who are ideally placed to fulfil this role. The role may be operationalised using different titles, such as key worker in the United Kingdom, professional cancer navigator in Canada and the United States of America and cancer care coordinator in Australia. Irrespective of the title, key workers are known to positively impact patient care through the delivery of information, provision of emotional and supportive care and coordination of services. Identifying the appropriate professional to be a patient’s named key worker is often driven by the cancer multidisciplinary team, and challenges remain regarding consistency of provision and effectively communicating this to patients. Care should be taken to avoid over-reliance on the key worker role within the multidisciplinary team and to ensure ongoing patient empowerment.</p
COVID-19 and the clinical nurse specialist
No full textThis chapter discusses the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare, with a focus on the role of the clinical nurse specialist (CNS) in cancer services. The chapter will commence with a brief introduction to COVID-19 and then outline its impact on the delivery of health services and frontline workers. There will be a reflection on the role of the CNS prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, along with a discussion that highlights the changes to this role as a result of COVID-19. The chapter will conclude with a discussion on the way forward for the CNS and healthcare services post-pandemic.</p
Future direction of the clinical nurse specialist in cancer care
No full textThis chapter explores and examines the future direction and possible trends in practice and care delivery for clinical nurse specialists (CNS)s working in cancer services. There will be an emphasis on the continuing central role of caring within this specialist role. Mindful that the CNS is required to work within a context that is rapidly changing and within health care services that must be able to respond to these changing needs, there will be an exploration of some of the current skills required of the CNS and how these skills may need to change and develop to meet current and future needs. CNSs working within cancer teams and alongside people living with cancer will have an important leadership role in helping to redesign services that are more inclusive and can better respond to diverse needs of those with cancer. Finally, to continue achieving the core components of this vital role in nursing and health care, the chapter will focus on the importance of learning from practice through encouraging structured reflection.</p
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