Advancing Practice. Clinical Impact

The Graduate Diploma in Nursing Science (Oncology) is an academic plan designed to provide the registered nurse caring for people with cancer and their families the opportunity to develop further advanced theoretical knowledge and specialist skills in oncology nursing. This program is designed to:

• improve the student’s knowledge of cancer disease processes
• treatments used and the possible out comes of these treatments
• improve the student’s clinical skills necessary for practice in an area where technology is continually changing.

This will facilitate safe and competent practice; build on knowledge already acquired through working in the speciality. Encouraging the student to research and examine the literature in the area of cancer nursing will enhance this, which supports the care provided to the person with cancer, their families and friends.

SPECIALTY COURSES

Oncology Nursing I
Units: 4 units
Teaching period: Semester 1
This course addresses the specialised clinical skills necessary to practice as a registered nurse in the oncology setting and will largely consist of field based learning within the clinical practice setting of haematology/oncology nursing supported by title-holders. Students are required to make contact with a title- holder in each placement area and to commence recording skills and learning attained in their skills book/diary. A participative workshop and online teaching will support learning.

Oncology Nursing II
Units: 4 units
Teaching period: Semester 2
This course builds on the learning of the previous semester. Topics include leadership and research in cancer nursing, consumer perspectives, clinical trials, community supports and survival issues. Visits to various care settings will provide students with a broad perspective on care. Students are required to remain in regular contact with title-holders and to complete the skills book/diary. Participative workshops and online teaching will support learning.

Nursing and Medical Science Oncology Nursing I
Units: 4 units
Teaching period: Semester 1
This course focuses on the disease of cancer, how it is treated and the effects of treatment.
Topics include the physiology of cancer, treatment selection, the action of different treatment types, the effect on the individual undergoing treatment, cancer genetics, palliative care issues, psychosocial issues and complementary therapies.

Nursing and Medical Science Oncology Nursing II
Units: 4 units
Teaching period: Semester 2
This course builds on the knowledge gained during the previous semester, developing an understanding of specific diseases and their management. The impact of malignancy is considered, including patient education and trials in oncology. Nutrition and oncology emergencies are also addressed. Other specific areas discussed include legal and ethical considerations for oncology nurses.

CORE COURSES

Developing Advanced Practice in Health Systems I
Units: 4 units
Teaching period: Semester 1 or Semester 2
This course examines contemporary issues related to advanced nursing practice and considers the supports and constraints within which nurses practice. Topics include ethics of care, leadership, advocacy, evidence based practice, health service management, professional standards, health informatics and multicultural health care.

Developing Advanced Practice in Health Systems II
Units: 4 units
Teaching period: Semester 1 or Semester 2
This course examines the evaluation of clinical practice through clinical audit. Students progress through a series of readings and
activities that introduce clinical audit and then progressively work through the processes involved in the development, conduct and reporting
of an audit of clinical practice.

Focused Reading in Clinical Nursing (for students granted advanced
standing)
Units: 4 units
Teaching period: Semester 1 or Semester 2
This course examines contemporary clinical nursing practice through a
critical review of the literature with a focus on acute care nursing
practice. Students are required to follow a protocol to ensure
scientific rigour and minimise potential bias.

Applicants must

1. be registered, or be eligible for registration, as a nurse in Australia or New Zealand, and
2. hold a degree of Bachelor of Nursing or equivalent; or, have at least two years experience as a registered nurse in the field of the specialisation to be undertaken.

This academic plan is offered to registered nurses currently employed full-time or for a minimum of 0.6 in the specialty setting.

• Discipline of Nursing