Article

Oncology Nurse Practitioner Competencies: Defining Best Practices in the Oncology Setting

Lorinda A. Coombs

Kimberly A. Noonan

Fedricker D. Barber

Heather Mackey

Mary E. Peterson

Tamika Turner

Kristine B. LeFebvre

oncology nurse practitioner, competencies, oncology setting, best practices
CJON 2020, 24(3), 296-304. DOI: 10.1188/20.CJON.296-304

Background: The oncology nurse practitioner (ONP) role has evolved since the first ONP competencies were published by the Oncology Nursing Society in 2007. An update was completed in 2019 to reflect the rapidly expanding role.

Objectives: The purpose of this article is to describe the process of the ONP competency development and identify potential applications across a variety of oncology settings.

Methods: The team performed an extensive literature review of the research about ONP practice across the cancer care continuum. Peer and expert review were conducted to ensure the competencies were comprehensive and relevant.

Findings: The ONP competencies provide a solid, evidence-based benchmark to standardize the ONP role and practice, thereby ensuring that patients receive the highest-quality cancer care.

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