Equipping Oncology Nurses to Meet Future Challenges

Abstract

Specialization in different branches of nursing, including oncology nursing is available in India. But the scope for specialized nurses is limited in this country. Training programs in oncology nursing (post diploma of 1 year duration, post-graduation of 2 year duration) after basic graduation is conducted by several educational institutions. But oncology hospitals including Government hospitals and oncology departments of private hospitals are not concerned about appointing specially trained oncology nurses. At the same time they are not even concerned about giving additional training in oncology for general nurses who are already recruited to take care of patients with cancer, even though facilities to training is available. Nurses need special skill, knowledge and attitude to work in oncology wards for their own health and for the health and safety of patients. So appointing general nurses in oncology wards as nurses and “reliever” is a serious violation of human right.