Oncology nursing in the small community hospital

Coordinating the nursing component of a community hospital's cancer program requires a clear definition of the facility's mission as it relates to cancer care and the scope of cancer nursing within the facility. Program managers need to assess the hospital's strengths and weaknesses, as well as local, regional, and national trends that impact on the hospital's ability to implement a cancer care program that is fiscally realistic and salient to its targeted population. The major advantages community hospitals have over large medical centers are convenience and ability to control the hospitalization experience. Nurses play a key role in creating a positive experience for patients and families in a variety of cancer care services, including prevention and early detection, community outreach and education, standard cancer therapy, ambulatory care, and other post-acute services.