Oncology is a branch of medicine that studies and investigates tumours. Oncology medicine seeks to understand the development of cancer while also searching for the answers to the treatment and prevention of cancer. Cancer is one of the major chronic diseases facing modern Canadian society today (Mick, 2007). It is not a discriminating disease since is effects all individuals regardless of their ethnicity, age or sex. Oncology nurses are essential and vital aspect of the oncology health care professionals. They are specialized nurses who are responsible for the care of cancer patients. They educate patients in regards to cancer, as well; they are responsible for the assessment and treatment planning for patients (Purnell, Walsh, & Milone, 2004). Many nursing students I have noticed have limited knowledge on oncology nursing and the many different areas of nursing; thus, it is the responsibility of nursing school to thoroughly educate nursing students about this branch of nursing and all the other branches of nursing. I feel that students need to acquire this knowledge in their first year so that they have the chance and time to reflect on the areas of nursing they would like to enter into in the future. This is one of the major drawbacks I have observed from my nursing education.
Reference
Mick, J. (2007). Factors affecting the evolution of oncology nursing care. Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing, 12(2), 307-313. Retrieved September 21, 2008, from ProQuest Nursing & Allied Health Source database.
Purnell, M. J., Walsh, S. M., & Milone, M. A. (2004). Oncology nursing education: Teaching strategies that work. Nursing Education Perspective, 25(6), 304-308. Retrieved September 21, 2008, from ProQuest Nursing & Allied Health Source database.