Abstract CN47
Background
The Irish Association for Nurses in Oncology (IANO) was established 40 years ago when specialist cancer nursing was in it's infancy in Ireland. The IANO supports cancer nurse education and provides opportunities for professional development. The IANO is structured into Regional Networks and Special Interest Groups. Cancer nursing has evolved significantly over the past few decades, and the education and professional development of Irish cancer nurses may have changed. Therefore, the IANO conducted a survey in 2021 to establish the professional needs of members so to identify areas for development within the organisation.
Methods
A non-probability purposive sampling method was employed. A questionnaire was designed for the purpose of the study and ethical approval was obtained. Members were invited to participate anonymously and consent via the Survey Monkey platform. Data was collected over a four week period.
Results
All members on the IANO database (n=197) were invited to participate. Twenty percent of members completed the survey. Seventy nine percent of respondents were over 35 years and 36% had less than 5 years of experience. Forty six percent of respondents engage with their Regional Networks for professional development, networking and access to education. The IANO website was accessed by 61% of respondents between 1-5 times per year. Respondents indicated a lack of confidence in applying for educational bursaries. Seventy four percent of respondents receive a copy of the IANO newsletter. However, 45% do not feel confident contributing to the newsletter.
Conclusions
The results indicate that cancer nurses derive both professional and educational benefits from having membership of the IANO. The findings suggest that members utilise the IANO website and newsletter to inform themselves of these opportunities. However, members lack confidence in applying for educational bursary opportunities and contributing to the newsletter. To future-proof the IANO attention should be focused on member engagement with the Regional Networks and the IANO website, and developing the confidence of cancer nurses in availing of professional and educational opportunities.
Clinical trial identification
Editorial acknowledgement
Legal entity responsible for the study
Irish Association for Nurses in Oncology.
Funding
Has not received any funding.
Disclosure
All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.