Abstract CN2
Background
This is a study that aimed to identify the profile of the nurse who works in the oncology units in clinical trials, radiotherapy, oncohaematology, primary care, palliative care, paediatrics, etc., both professionally and in education, and to identify the need for professional development through specialisation. Within the framework of the importance of the specialization of the oncology nurse, we found few studies that explore the situation of oncology nursing, and what the interests and educational needs are. Our objective was to identify the formative needs and professional development of oncology nurses in Spain.
Methods
Descriptive study carried out by means of a semi-open survey conducted among the attendees of the National Congress of Oncology Nursing.
Results
The profile of the oncology nurse who attends conferences is a female nurse, between 30 and 60 years old, with more than 10 years of experience in oncology. Most of them comment on feeling supported by their organization in terms of access to training and attendance to scientific activities. Sixty-eight per cent of the nurses said that they needed to specialise in oncology, and among the educational needs detected were those related to immunotherapy and the latest treatments, as well as everything related to side effects. Issues related to safety, research and nursing leadership also stand out.
Conclusions
Professional experience as well as specialized qualifications are important aspects to consider when establishing a profile of the nurse working in the field of oncohematology. The responsibility in the assistance in the treatments, prevention and care, makes necessary the acquisition of competences, attitudes and specific aptitudes for the performance of our work. It is important that studies and consensus documents be expanded to highlight the need for training and specialization of nurses with a critical and reflective perspective in the approach to care and to establish strategies for the official qualification of these professionals.
Clinical trial identification
Editorial acknowledgement
Legal entity responsible for the study
The authors.
Funding
Has not received any funding.
Disclosure
All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.