Manual for Radiation Oncology Nursing Practice and Education

Book excerpt: "Advances in technology, research, and evidence-based practice have led to improvements in the care of patients receiving radiation therapy. The knowledge and expertise required by nurses must focus on the needs of patients who come into their care at any point across the trajectory of the cancer journey. Nurses may work with patients at varying stages of the radiation therapy process and in a wide range of settings. Regardless, however, the need to be knowledgeable about the symptoms and side effects associated with this treatment is essential for nurses caring for this patient population. The Oncology Nursing Society has published the fifth edition of Manual for Radiation Oncology Nursing Practice and Education to support nurses who care for patients who will receive, are receiving, or have received radiation therapy. The fifth edition features significant updates and changes to the content to reflect advances in technology, treatment options, and symptom manage¬ment. New sections have been added based on input from radiation oncology nurses or as a result of changes in treatment options, the needs of specific patient populations, and observations from clinical practice. New topics include patients with cognitive changes and dementia; general distress and coping; patients with mental illness; special populations, such as women who are pregnant, ado-lescents, and young adults; special needs related to late effects of treatment and cardiac toxicities; and treatment modalities, includ¬ing cobalt therapy and immunotherapy. This manual serves as an essential resource for individual nurses new to working in a radiation therapy set¬ting as well as to nurses wanting to advance their knowledge in radiation biology and protection, diverse radiation therapy modalities, combination treatments, site- or disease-specific concerns, symptom management, special populations, and care during transition points. Additionally, this manual can be a resource to advanced practice clinicians, educators, and administrators, with a focus on support for nursing staff seeking the education and skills required to care for patients receiving radiation therapy and their families"--