Kimberly Chow1, Constance Dahlin2. 1. Kimberly Chow, MSN, ANP-BC, ACHPN: Clinical Program Manager and Nurse Practitioner Coordinator, Supportive Care Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY. Constance Dahlin, MSN, ANP-BC, ACHPN, FPCN, FAAN: Palliative Nurse Practitioner, North Shore Medical Center, Salem, MA; Director of Professional Practice, Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association, Pittsburgh, PA; and Consultant, Center to Advance Palliative Care, New York, NY.. Electronic address: chowk@mskcc.org. 2. Kimberly Chow, MSN, ANP-BC, ACHPN: Clinical Program Manager and Nurse Practitioner Coordinator, Supportive Care Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY. Constance Dahlin, MSN, ANP-BC, ACHPN, FPCN, FAAN: Palliative Nurse Practitioner, North Shore Medical Center, Salem, MA; Director of Professional Practice, Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association, Pittsburgh, PA; and Consultant, Center to Advance Palliative Care, New York, NY.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To describe the evolution of oncology and palliative nursing in meeting the changing landscape of cancer care. DATA SOURCES: Peer-reviewed articles, clinical practice guidelines, professional organization, and position statements. CONCLUSION: Nurses have been at the forefront of efforts to develop and implement oncology and palliative care programs. Fifty years ago a cancer diagnosis meant a poor prognosis, high symptom burden, and disease uncertainty. Current cancer care has advanced to include palliative care in conjunction with innovative therapies and symptom management. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: Specialty trained oncology and palliative care nurses are essential in disease and symptom management, psychosocial and spiritual support, and advance care planning.
OBJECTIVE: To describe the evolution of oncology and palliative nursing in meeting the changing landscape of cancer care. DATA SOURCES: Peer-reviewed articles, clinical practice guidelines, professional organization, and position statements. CONCLUSION: Nurses have been at the forefront of efforts to develop and implement oncology and palliative care programs. Fifty years ago a cancer diagnosis meant a poor prognosis, high symptom burden, and disease uncertainty. Current cancer care has advanced to include palliative care in conjunction with innovative therapies and symptom management. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: Specialty trained oncology and palliative care nurses are essential in disease and symptom management, psychosocial and spiritual support, and advance care planning.