Using human simulation in the oncology clinical practice setting.

Patients are referred to the tertiary care teaching institution with diverse and sometimes rare diagnoses requiring complex therapy. Assuring that nurses in the oncology setting are delivering quality nursing care requires educational support that integrates evidence-based teaching methods. Clinical simulation holds promise for novice and experienced nurses to see the "big picture" associated with acutely ill oncology patients. Simulation scenarios focusing on commonly experienced oncologic emergencies are described, and practical information for the development and implementation of a simulation program is provided.