Clinical journal of oncology nursing
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Symptom management is a vital aspect of the practice of oncology nursing. The Oncology Nursing Society has identified outcomes sensitive to nursing intervention, known as nursing-sensitive patient outcomes. This article presents information about sleep-wake disturbances that occur in patients with cancer and makes recommendations for evidence-based interventions to improve sleep for patients. ⋯ Oncology nurses can screen for sleep-wake disturbances and suggest tailored interventions. Four categories of promising interventions are cognitive-behavioral therapy, complementary therapies, psychoeducation and information, and exercise. Clinicians can use the Putting Evidence Into Practice (PEP) card and PEP resources at www.ons.org/outcomes to improve sleep-wake outcomes.
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Dying patients and their families often have unique physical, psychosocial, social, and spiritual needs that require special ized end-of-life (EOL) skills. EOL preparation of nurses has been inconsistent. Novice nurses need guidance to develop the knowledge, clinical skills, and coping strategies to provide high-quality and compassionate EOL care. ⋯ Educational materials, standards of practice, and continuing education on EOL care should be available to novice nurses as well. EOL competencies may provide a blueprint to help with performance evaluations. Adequate preparation of novice oncology nurses for EOL care will improve patient outcomes, increase job satisfaction, and promote longevity in the specialty.
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Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women worldwide, with significantly higher rates in developing areas, especially in Africa, the Caribbean, and Latin America (Parkin, Bray, Ferlay, & Pisani, 2005). In contrast, incidence and mortality rates of cervical cancer in the United States have declined significantly among women of all ethnic and racial groups; it is not among the top 10 leading causes of new cancer cases in women (American Cancer Society [ACS], 2006b; Edwards et al.,2005).