The specialist breast care nurse: an evolving role

The role of the specialist breast care nurse has not previously been described in the Australian context. A study was undertaken, utilising the Delphi technique and focus group interviews to determine the key elements of the role and to describe how these role elements are enacted by the nurses incumbent in these positions in six Australian states. Three rounds of questionnaires to 16 expert nurses established a consensus view as to the essential elements of the specialist breast care nurse's role. The 11 role elements that became significant during analysis of these data were: specialist nurse, supporter, educator, counsellor, adviser, team member, resource person, caregiver, public advocate, manager and researcher. Focus groups were held with nurses from each state and the findings allowed enhancement of the data from the questionnaires. Analysis of the interview data allowed a fuller description of how the nurses actualised their role. This data showed that the specialist breast care nurse co-ordinated the care of the woman and her family during the breast cancer journey. Integral to the role was the support for the woman and her family. It is concluded that in order to perform successfully in the role nurses require specialist education in supportive care, counselling, pathology and treatment of breast cancer, a broad knowledge of oncology nursing, management, research and teaching techniques.