N262 – Oncology Nursing
Prerequisite: N260
Course Description: Oncology Nursing (N262) is one of the major courses in the Adult Health Nursing specialty. This three-unit course focuses on the concepts, principles, and process of care of the adult client with cancer. Emphasis is given on clinical aspects of cancer diagnosis, interventions, and management considering the various levels of care as well as development of standards of care. It consists of theoretical component and clinical practicum.
Course Objectives:
- Develop competencies of nurses in specialist/ advanced practice to assume the roles of expert care provider, educator, and researcher in oncology.
- Apply selected conceptual/ theoretical nursing models and related biomedical frameworks in understanding the science of oncology and delivering holistic nursing care.
- Provide meaningful learning experiences and self-directed study in the light of innovations, research and evidence-based practice and contemporary issues in oncology.
Course Outline:
SECTION I – Introduction to Oncology Nursing
Module 1
1.1 History of cancer
1.2 Oncology nursing as a specialty
1.3 Theoretical models of oncology nursing
SECTION II – Health Promotion, Epidemiology, Screening, and Early Detection
Module 2
2.1 Epidemiology
2.2 Prevention and Health Promotion
2.3 Screening and Early Detection
SECTION IIIA – The Science of Oncology Nursing
Module 3
3.1 Carcinogenesis
3.2 Immunology
3.3 Genetic Risk Factors
3.4 Research protocols and Clinical trials
SECTION IIIB – Specific Cancers
Module 4
4.1 Breast cancer
4.2 Lung cancer
Module 5
5.1 Cancers of the GI Tract
5.2 Cancers of the Reproductive System
5.3 Cancers of the Urinary System
Module 6
6.1 Skin cancer
6.2 Head and Neck cancers
6.3 Cancers of the Neurologic System
6.4 Bone and soft tissue cancers
Module 7
7.1 Leukemia
7.2 Lymphoma and multiple myeloma
7.3 HIV-related cancers
SECTION IV – Cancer Treatment Modalities
Module 8
8.1 Multidisciplinary Treatment Planning
8.2 Surgical Treatment
8.3 Radiation Therapy
Module 9
9.1 Chemotherapy
9.2 Targeted therapies and Biotherapy
9.3 Blood and Marrow Transplant
SECTION V – Palliative Pain and Symptom Management
Module 10
10.1 Supportive Therapies and Procedures
10.2 Pharmacologic Interventions
10.3 Complementary and Integrative Modalities
Module 11
11.1 Alterations in hematologic and immune function
11.2 Alterations in gastrointestinal function
11.3 Alterations in nutritional status
11.4 Alterations in genitourinary function
Module 12
12.1 Alteration in respiratory function
12.2 Alterations in cardiovascular function
Module 13
13.1 Alterations in musculoskeletal, integumentary and neurologic functions
13.2 Comfort
SECTION VI – Psychosocial Oncology
Module 14
14.1 Cultural, Spiritual and Religious Diversity
14.2 Altered body image
14.3 Coping Mechanism and Skills
14.4 Psychosocial Disturbances and Alterations
14.5 Sexuality
14.6 Caregiver Issues
SECTION VII – Oncologic Emergencies
Module 15 – Metabolic Emergencies
Module 16 – Structural Emergencies
SECTION VIII
Module 17 – Survivorship
SECTION IX
Module 18 – Hospice and End-of-Life Care
SECTION X – Nursing Practice and Professionalism
Module 19
19.1 Scope and Standards of Oncology Nursing Practice, Evidence-
Based Practice and Accreditation Standards
19.2 Education process
19.3 Advocacy
19.4 Legal issues
19.5 Ethical Issues
19.6 Professional Issues
Clinical Practicum: 32 hours