Self-assessed learning needs of oncology nurses caring for individuals with HIV-related disorders. A national survey

A national survey of 10% of the members of the Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) was conducted to determine the knowledge and experience of oncology nurses caring for individuals with HIV-related disorders. This information was to serve as the framework for developing subsequent education and preparation of oncology nurses. A questionnaire containing 109 questions was mailed to 1,006 members of the ONS. Response rate was 70% (N = 693). Fifty-five of the 109 questions assessed clinical knowledge, experience, and care planning for adults. Additional questions elicited information about staff attitudes, problems in care delivery, priorities in nursing administration and research, and nurses' preferred methods of instruction. Results showed that oncology nurses are experienced in certain areas of importance to patients with AIDS but have educational and experiential deficits in the disease specifics associated with HIV-related disorders and in the nursing care of adults with multisystem involvement and in their treatment. Validity and reliability of this questionnaire were established (alpha = 0.93-0.97). Readers are encouraged to adapt this questionnaire to assess the learning needs of nurses in all specialty groups, and to develop appropriate educational programs to prepare nurses to provide care for this patient population.