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Oncology

Program Description

The Oncology Nurse Practitioner subspecialty prepares advanced practice nurses to assume a leadership role in the delivery of care to the oncology patient and family. Students in this program will be prepared to manage the physical and psychosocial care needs of individuals with cancer and their families across the illness trajectory. Through participation in this program, students will:

• Perform cancer risk assessments for diverse populations including the general population, high risk individuals and cancer survivors
• Develop skills in diagnosis and management of common cancers; the diagnostic process includes critical thinking, differential diagnosis and interpretation of data
• Perform assessments of patients with cancer that includes an evaluation of manifestations and toxicities related to cancer and its treatment
• Use evidence based practice guidelines to guide prevention strategies, screening activities and health promotion
• Assist patients and families in coping with the illness and its potential or expected outcomes
• Coordinate palliative and end of life care in collaboration with patients, families, caregivers and members of the multi disciplinary healthcare team
• Assess actual or potential late effects of cancer and its treatment including secondary cancers, cardiomyopathy, pulmonary dysfunction, etc. in cancer survivors

The Oncology Nurse Practitioner subspecialty prepares students to excel as advanced practice nurses in a variety of primary and acute settings, including comprehensive cancer centers, community hospitals, ambulatory clinics, private practice, palliative care settings and hospice. Graduates of the Adult Oncology Nurse Practitioner program are eligible for certification through the ANCC or AANP. In addition, students will be prepared to obtain certification as an Advanced Oncology Certified Nurse Practitioner (AOCNP) by the Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation (ONCC) pending required clinical hours. Graduates of the Pediatric Oncology Nurse Practitioner program are eligible for certification through the ANCC or the NCBPNP/N. In addition, students will be prepared to obtain certification as a Certified Pediatric Hematology Oncology Nurse (CPHON) by the ONCC pending required clinical hours.

The Program Director of the Oncology Nurse Practitioner sub-specialty is Susan Doyle-Lindrud, DNP APN.

Clinical Sites

Clinical sites are available in the tri-state area and beyond. Clinical sites vary in setting and you may be assigned a location at a cancer center, hospital or ambulatory care clinic.

Curriculum

For Students Who Hold an Undergraduate Degree in Nursing
For master’s students in adult, family, pediatrics, acute care, women’s health or psychiatric/mental health primary care NP programs:

• Students will complete all coursework for the primary specialty as well as specialized oncology coursework.
• Students will have a clinical placement in an oncology setting.
• The Oncology Nurse Practitioner subspecialty requires you choose between the adult or pediatric oncology track (see sample coursework below).

A sample program plan for the Oncology Nurse Practitioner Subspecialty program is provided below to make you aware of the academic requirements of the program. Please be advised that this is a sample listing, and individual plans of study are reviewed and approved upon acceptance to the program. Progression in the program is contingent upon meeting academic policies. The School of Nursing reserves the right to change the course offering schedule as stated in the student bulletin.

Sample Adult Oncology Nurse Practitioner Subspecialty Program

Sample Pediatric Oncology Nurse Practitioner Subspecialty Program

This page was last updated on 01/24/2012 and is subject to change at any time.