Radiotherapy nursing: understanding the nurse’s role
Intended for healthcare professionals
Clinical Previous     Next

Radiotherapy nursing: understanding the nurse’s role

Julia Downing Lecturer in Cancer Nursing, Centre for Cancer and Palliative Care Studies, Institute of Cancer Research, London

Radiotherapy nurses are integral members of the multidisciplinary team. In this article, the author describes the role and makes recommendations for its future development

The role of the nurse in medical oncology is well defined and accepted, particularly in relation to the administration of chemotherapy. However, radiotherapy nurses have not received equal recognition (Bruner 1990). The role of nurses within radiotherapy departments is perceived as being limited to observations, sorting charts and showing patients into clinic rooms, but this misunderstands the contribution to patient care made by the radiotherapy nurse.

Nursing Standard. 12, 25, 42-43. doi: 10.7748/ns.12.25.42.s49

Want to read more?

RCNi-Plus
Already have access? Log in

or

3-month trial offer for £5.25/month

Subscribe today and save 50% on your first three months
RCNi Plus users have full access to the following benefits:
  • Unlimited access to all 10 RCNi Journals
  • RCNi Learning featuring over 175 modules to easily earn CPD time
  • NMC-compliant RCNi Revalidation Portfolio to stay on track with your progress
  • Personalised newsletters tailored to your interests
  • A customisable dashboard with over 200 topics
Subscribe

Alternatively, you can purchase access to this article for the next seven days. Buy now


Are you a student? Our student subscription has content especially for you.
Find out more