Introduction to the Oncology Care Unit

The observation of nursing staff helps in conducting an accurate assessment of the patient's condition, which in turn helps identify and address the patient's physical and psychological needs. Nursing staff are committed to assisting the patient and their family members or companions, accompanying them through all stages of the illness, and providing health education to help the patient cope with the disease and the side effects of treatment, ensuring security and trust throughout the stages of the illness. The nursing staff serve as a vital link between various departments in the cancer care unit. They work alongside the oncologist to monitor the progression of the disease and ensure the patient's health.

The clinical nurse has four essential functions: care, education, coordination, and communication.

1. Care
• Provide comprehensive care to the patient and their environment through a care plan that includes: assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation.
• Collect and assess patient data to identify problems and potential areas for improvement.
• Ensure continuity of care through follow-up via phone, in-person visits, email, or all of these methods.
• Provide an environment where the patient and their family are the center of care.
• Create a collaborative environment with other members of the multidisciplinary team to improve patient care.

2. Education
• Assess the patient's needs and their social and cultural environment in order to provide appropriate health education for each case.
• Provide and reinforce patient education on their diagnosis, treatment, and how to manage side effects.
• Educate the patient about the role of the clinical nurse and the multidisciplinary team, focusing on healthy lifestyle patterns, patient empowerment, the importance of adhering to treatment, following medication schedules, and other protocols.

3. Coordination
• Act as a liaison between various departments involved in cancer patient care.
• Assess the patient's needs during the first nursing visit for referral to other support services (oncology psychology, nutrition specialists, etc.), always using appropriate assessment tools and updating the patient's status.
• Provide psychological support for a smooth transition from active treatment to the survivorship phase by coordinating a comprehensive care plan within a multidisciplinary team, ensuring sufficient follow-up throughout the treatment period.

4. Communication
• Build therapeutic and trust-based relationships with the patient, family, and primary caregivers through effective communication, active listening, and empathy.
• Act as a liaison between patients and caregivers to improve patient outcomes.
• Monitor the patient, enhance optimal care, and respond promptly to their needs.
• Provide psychological support to the patient and family during the toughest moments of the illness.
• Facilitate communication between members of the multidisciplinary team to prevent delays in patient care.