Issues facing oncology nurses

I will soon be graduating nursing school, and beginning my career as an oncology RN. Just off the top of my head -- I would say it never hurts for these nurses to get updates on infection control tips for neutropenic patients. Also, I know I would like an in-service on antibiotics, antifungals, anti-virals. We already know a lot about them, but it is helpful to reinforce the ideas, and expand upon current knowlege. What side effects might we be seeing, but really didn't realize were SEs? What about how to help families cope with death and dying? And how to encourage patients who are tearful? Or what about pain control? That's a biggie! Many pts just never get adequate pain control. What are some non-pharm measure that might help? Are there any new resources for oncology nurses? How about educating the staff on the benefits of joining the Oncology Nursing Society and/or becoming oncology certified and how that affects patient outcomes? How about major side effects of chemo, such as the risk of later developing leukemia. And so on. There are so many important issues! :-)

These are just some things I am throwing out there.

How about the need to include the patients family in your teaching? Dietary requirements, nausea issues, problems with cold food or drinks with some chemos, timing visits to allow for rest, no fresh flowers or fruit and WHY. All of these need to be part of your patient education as well as the pain and infection issues. By including family members the burden of sharing info with the members of the family is taken off of the patient and placed on the nurse who is more able to openly discuss these issues without fear of "hurting enyones feelings".