SAN DIEGO—Oncology nurses who work in an adult community–based practice can remain abreast of new information provided that a range of options for continuing education (CE) is available, according to a new study.
“The provision of multiple CE opportunities is important in a busy practice environment where most nurses are certified by OCN/AOCN and need continuing education credits to maintain certification,” Sandra Purl, RN, MS, AOCN, oncology nurse clinical specialist at Oncology Specialists, S.C. in Park Ridge, Illinois, observed.
“What’s more, the availability of programs in a variety of formats that provide information on a variety of clinical topics with instruction by a variety of healthcare professionals has meant that most of our nurses have been able to retain their ONS certification.”
It is essential for oncology nurses to establish and maintain a strong knowledge base in order to provide optimal care for their patients, who often have complex management issues, she said.
Purl outlined a list of some of the programs available to oncology nurses in her practice:
Sandra Purl died shortly after the ONS meeting where she presented her research. Her friend and colleague Danielle M. Gale, ND, MSN, of Oswego Illinois said, “Sandy was a role model to many oncology nurses...Sandy’s passion was to improve the care of oncology patients through her work and volunteer activities in the Chicago chapter of the Oncology Nursing Society.”
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