So, You Want to Be an Oncology Clinical Nurse Specialist?!

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Preface

What Is a Clinical Nurse Specialist?

When you graduated from nursing school, did you know everything there was to know about nursing? Probably not. How much did you know about cancer care? Probably not much. Nursing schools typically do not focus on any one disease because their job is to prepare generalist nurses with basic competencies to pass a licensing exam. But, you selected oncology nursing as a career, and through your own professional development activities, you are now specialized in cancer care. Whether you are new or experienced in oncology nursing, you have patients with problems that challenge you: dressings that migrate, bothersome symptoms that you cannot relieve, expressions of feelings to which you are not sure how to respond. Sometimes, it is not a patient problem; it is the system—equipment that is not right, ambiguous hospital policies, or cumbersome, outdated procedures. Dealing with these complex problems was never covered in nursing school.

Who helps you, the bedside oncology nurse? Who helps you to problem solve when the procedure is not effective? Who updates the procedures when new evidence supports a change in practice? Who ensures that nursing practice reflects the latest research and keeps pace with the times? A clinical nurse specialist (CNS), that’s who! An oncology CNS is an expert oncology nurse who delivers nursing care to patients with complex problems, helps staff nurses to develop new clinical skills, and works with the system to facilitate best practice. An oncology CNS is an expert clinician and a resource nurse for practice issues. A CNS is not a manager or an educator. The CNS collaborates with staff nurses, provides support for clinical problems, educates staff to foster evidence-based clinical practice, and works with managers to remove barriers that interfere with nursing practice. The CNS is a practice-focused expert in nursing care.

So, You Want to Be an Oncology Clinical Nurse Specialist?

The best way to explore the role of an oncology CNS is to shadow—to observe a CNS at work. The purpose of this book is to provide you with a shadow experience through case studies. Should you select the CNS role for your career, some advice on being a successful CNS will also be provided. We, the authors, are all experienced oncology CNSs. We have each prepared answers to different common questions that prospective CNS students want answered.

Together, we will help you to understand the educational requirements, certification options, and practice opportunities available for oncology CNSs. We believe you will find this information enlightening. For us, CNS is a way of thinking, a unique perspective on the world. CNS practice is challenging, exciting, and invigorating. No two days are the same. Being a CNS requires curiosity, creativity, patience, compassion, introspection, and persistence. As a CNS, you will experience the power of nursing, and you will become a force for empowering others.