Oncology nursing: five decades of growth

Oncology nursing has evolved as a specialty over the past five decades. The focus of this article is the evolution of oncology nursing discussed within the context of historical changes in the definition of nursing, regulation of the profession, and educational preparation. The specialty has had an orderly progression from on-the-job training to continuing education to academic preparation. The practical and progressive ways in which the professional organizations, oncology nurse educators, and oncology nurse researchers have responded to the needs of cancer patients and families are discussed. Oncology specialty organizations now have a combined membership of approximately 15,000, which attests to the viability of the specialty.