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Oncology Nurse Practitioner Role: Recommendations From the Oncology Nursing Society's Nurse Practitioner Summit
Heather Mackey1, Kimberly Noonan2, Lisa Kennedy Sheldon3
1Derrick L. Davis Forsyth Regional Cancer Center.
Background:
Oncology nurse practitioners (ONPs) are advanced practice RNs prepared at the graduate level with high-level knowledge and skills in oncology. Because of challenges in educational programs and variability in the scope of practice at the state and institutional level, many ONPs are challenged to practice to the full extent of their education, certification, and licensure.
Objectives:
The purpose of this article is to review issues affecting the education and practice patterns of ONPs and to identify solutions to address the challenges that exist for ONPs.
Methods:
Members of the Oncology Nursing Society's Nurse Practitioner Summit summarized the challenges faced by ONPs related to education, training, practice, and professional development.
Findings:
Efforts to promote ONP practice at the fullest extent of licensure and across various settings should be prioritized. Resources must be devoted to education, onboarding, and retention to integrate and retain ONPs as leaders of the interprofessional team.