Radiation Oncology
Most adult patients with cancer will receive radiation therapy (RT) at least once during their illness trajectory, and oncology nurses play a key role in their care. Oncology nurses caring for patients undergoing RT need to be able to understand the patient’s RT treatment plan, prepare the patient for what to expect from RT, as well as recognize the possible side effects of their specific RT treatment site and schedule.
Whether you work in a cancer centre, hospital, or community care, this course will prepare you with the knowledge, clinical decision-making skills, and confidence you need to care for adult patients before, during, and after receiving radiation therapy. It includes an introduction to the principles, practices and interprofessional roles involved in radiation therapy with a focus on the role of the radiation oncology nurse. Radiation therapy workflow from initial consultation, simulation, treatment planning, RT delivery and follow up care is described. Using an evidence-based approach, participants will learn how to assess and manage common side effects as well as site-specific side effects and adverse effects that patients experience during RT.
This course was developed through interprofessional collaboration between expert radiation therapists, direct care nurses, and nurse educators. Subject matter experts from the CANO/ACIO Radiation Special Interest Group brought the national perspectives to the course.
Course Learning outcomes
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
- Explain the various radiation therapy modalities, mechanisms of action, and goals for treating cancer.
- Describe the principles of radiobiology and radiosensitivity, and how they impact a patient’s treatment plan.
- Describe the roles of the radiation oncology nurse and other radiation therapy team members pertaining to patient care.
- Explain the effect of concurrent chemotherapy or immunotherapy on radiation therapy in treating various cancers.
- Anticipate, recognize, assess, grade, and manage radiation-induced side effects including disease site-specific side effects.
- Differentiate between acute, late, and long term side effects.
- Identify and describe the two most common oncologic emergencies managed with radiation therapy.
- Teach patients, families and caregivers about what to expect during RT simulation, treatment delivery and follow-up care.
Have any questions?
Contact us and we’ll be glad to provide you with more details.