Oncology Nursing - Registered Nurse Ontario College Graduate Certificate
ObjectivesThis 240-hour, certificate program will provide the RN with an overview of the etiology, epidemiology, current trends and treatment modalities in caring for the client with cancer. The implications of the diagnosis of cancer are addressed as they affect the individual, family members or significant others, support systems and society in general. The curriculum consists of 5 core courses and a mandatory clinical component/independent learning project which will challenge the student to synthesize theory into practice.The student is also required to complete 30 hours of elective courses/workshops. This program will assist graduates to write the CNA Certificate Exam in Oncology Nursing.
Entry requirementsRegistered Nurses
Academic titleOncology Nursing - Registered Nurse Ontario College Graduate Certificate
Course descriptionNURS8500 Major Malignancies - An In-depth Study
Description: This course will focus on the etiology, pathophysiology, clinical course and prognosis of five major malignancies: cancer of the lung, colon, breast, cervix and prostate gland.
Hours: 30
Credits: 2
NURS8505 Psychosocial Implications of Cancer
Description: This course is an overview of the psychosocial aspects of cancer care including such topics as communication, individual and family coping, ethical dilemmas and grief and bereavement. The course also addresses the challenges of constantly updating knowledge and skills in the clinical setting. Topics will include current theories, trends and treatments in the care of clients with cancer will also be discussed.
Hours: 30
Credits: 2
Pre-Requisites: NURS8500
NURS8510 Treatment Modalities and Symptom Management
Description: In this course, the student will explore various treatment modalities used in the care of a client with cancer, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy and bone marrow transplant. The nurse's role in the recognition of the physiological and psychosocial implications for the client will be closely examined. Symptom management will be explored using research and evidence based practice.
Hours: 30
Credits: 2
Pre-Requisites: NURS8500
NURS8515 Leukemia and Lymphomia - An In-depth Study
Description: Throughout this course, the student will develop an in-depth knowledge of leukemia and lymphoma. The development of blood cells, leukemia, Hodgkins lymphoma, bone marrow transplantation and experimental treatment will be examined. The student requires a basic understanding of normal cell development and physiology. A study guide will be included with the course materials.
Hours: 30
Credits: 2
Pre-Requisites: NURS8500
NURS8525 Clinical Practicum and Independent Learning Project (Oncology Nursing)
Description: Students will participate in the care of oncology clients in various stages of their disease under the supervision of a preceptor. These clients will be in stages of initial diagnosis, active treatment, remission, chronic illness, recurrence and palliation. Clinical experience may be obtained in a variety of community, institutional, and volunteer settings after discussion with the Co-ordinator. An independent learning project may be approved by the Co-ordinator. Students may submit a request and appropriate documentation of experience for up to 30 hours credit for current oncology experience. These students will be required to complete an independent learning project.
Hours: 60
Credits: 2
Pre-Requisites: NURS8500, NURS8505, NURS8510, NURS8515, NURS8750, PALL8060
NURS8750 Pain Management in Oncological Patients
Description: This course examines pain management in Oncology patients. It will include pain syndromes that may occur with cancer patients and will review the characteristics of these syndromes. The student will learn to synthesize the signs and symptoms with a thorough assessment, identify a nursing diagnosis, and suggest the appropriate investigative procedures. The underlying diagnosis will be discussed in relation to the pathophysiology. Upon recognition of the cause of the pain the student will review the factors that might direct the most appropriate response and plan of care. Pharmacological and non-pharmacological modalities will be examined, as well as invasive and non-invasive treatments. Outcomes of appropriate treatments will be discussed. Upon completion of this course, the nurse will become more vigilant in reviewing the early signs and symptoms of developing problems associated with different types of cancer, and will be in a better position to be a patient advocate.
Hours: 15
Credits: 1
Pre-Requisites: NURS8500
PALL8060 Oncological Emergencies
Description: This course will review the most common and/or most life-threatening emergencies that may occur for a patient with cancer. The student will learn to synthesize the signs and symptoms, appropriate investigative procedures, and underlying diagnosis to determine the probable pathophysiology. Upon recognition of the oncological problem, the student will review the factors that might direct the most appropriate response. With completion of this course, the student will become more vigilant of the early signs and symptoms of developing problems associated with different types of underlying cancer. This course will be of particular value to Registered Nurses and Registered Practical Nurses.
Hours: 15
Credits: 1
Electives: Program Option
Description: Student must complete a minimum of 30 Hours
Elective Courses:
NURS8535 Care for the Care Provider
Description: This is a basic overview of caring for the professional caregiver. It will examine the causes and full impact of stress and compassion fatigue on the caregiver, as well as a variety of methods of stress prevention and alleviation. Emphasis will be given to improved communication and boundary setting with patients and team members and to the concept of 'honouring self'.
Hours: 15
Credits: 1
NURS8550 Community Oncology
Description: This course will focus on the challenges and supportive care for the oncology client in the community and focus on the care of clients in stages of initial diagnosis, active treatment, remission, chronic illness, recurrence and palliation.
Hours: 30
Credits: 2
Pre-Requisites: NURS8500
NURS8555 Radiation Workshop
Description: In this workshop, students will become familiar with the care of clients undergoing radiation therapy including nursing management of radiation effects.
Hours: 15
Credits: 1
NURS8560 Paediatric Oncology
Description: This course provides an overview of childhood cancer. Examine pediatric cancers, treatment modalities, symptom management, and psycho-social aspects of cancer in childhood, community nursing management and care of the dying child. The central objective is to facilitate the acquisition of increased knowledge and skills sot that nurses may offer quality, comprehensive care to children and their families.
Hours: 30
Credits: 2
Pre-Requisites: NURS8500