Seminars in oncology nursing
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To describe the importance of early integration of palliative care into cancer survivor care. To discuss common symptoms experienced by cancer survivors and how integration of palliative care can improve management. ⋯ The long-term and late effects of cancer survivors will best be provided for by knowledgeable nurses who can anticipate and integrate palliative care into survivorship care early in their treatment plan.
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To describe indications and expected outcomes for palliative radiotherapy and to highlight opportunities for nurse involvement in palliative radiotherapy. ⋯ Nurses involved in the care of patients receiving palliative radiotherapy must be aware of the indications and expected outcomes associated with therapy. Nurses can play an important role in the management of symptoms, education, and communication between the team and the patient and family.
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To describe the process of symptom management in the care of oncology patients with advanced cancer. ⋯ Effective symptom management requires that oncology nurses holistically assess the patient's symptom experience and goals of care, formulate specific symptom diagnoses, and develop, implement, and evaluate the outcomes of an evidence-based plan of care that is individualized and acceptable to the patient.
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To provide foundational knowledge about approaches to ethical decision-making that arise as part of palliative care of cancer patients and their families. ⋯ The increasingly complex healthcare environment makes it essential that nurses have an understanding of medical ethics and relevant federal and state laws so that this knowledge can be applied to the many issues arising in palliative and end-of-life care.