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Special oncology nursing networks

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PaNGONA Special Oncology Nursing Networks

Overview

PaNGONA’s Special Oncology Nursing Networks connect nurses with expertise in specific oncology areas. These networks provide a platform for collaboration, knowledge sharing, professional development, and advocacy, ensuring that patients across Papua New Guinea receive safe, specialized, and evidence-based cancer care.

Purpose

  • Promote collaboration among nurses in specialized oncology fields.

  • Share best practices, clinical guidelines, and innovations.

  • Support education, training, and research initiatives.

  • Advocate for high-quality, patient-centered care in each specialty.

Current Special Oncology Nursing Networks

1. Radiation Oncology Nursing Network

Focus: This network is dedicated to the care of patients undergoing radiation therapy for various cancers. Radiation oncology nurses play a crucial role in treatment preparation, patient education, symptom management, and monitoring for side effects.

Activities:

  • Comprehensive training on radiation safety for both patients and healthcare staff.

  • Workshops on treatment planning, delivery protocols, and dose monitoring.

  • Patient education sessions to improve understanding of treatment, side effect management, and adherence.

  • Symptom management programs addressing fatigue, skin reactions, and other radiation-related effects.

  • Case discussions and peer-review sessions to enhance clinical decision-making and care quality.

2. Medical Oncology Nursing Network

Focus: This network supports nurses providing care to patients receiving chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and other systemic treatments. Medical oncology nurses are central to safe medication administration, patient monitoring, and supportive care.

Activities:

  • Competency workshops on chemotherapy preparation, safe handling, and administration.

  • Development and review of treatment protocols and clinical guidelines.

  • Training on patient monitoring, early detection of adverse effects, and emergency response.

  • Continuing education on novel therapies and evidence-based practices.

  • Case conferences for discussing complex patient management and multidisciplinary collaboration.

3. Surgical Oncology Nursing Network

Focus: This network focuses on perioperative care for cancer patients undergoing surgery, ensuring safety, optimal recovery, and holistic patient support.

Activities:

  • Training on preoperative assessments, surgical safety protocols, and infection control.

  • Postoperative care workshops covering wound management, pain control, and complication prevention.

  • Recovery and rehabilitation planning to support functional outcomes.

  • Patient education sessions on surgery, recovery expectations, and self-care.

  • Collaborative discussions with surgical teams to optimize patient-centered care.

4. Paediatric Oncology Nursing Network

Focus: Dedicated to caring for children and adolescents with cancer, this network emphasizes family-centered care, age-appropriate interventions, and psychosocial support.

Activities:

  • Pediatric oncology workshops addressing chemotherapy, supportive care, and symptom management.

  • Case review sessions to discuss treatment challenges and outcomes.

  • Training on communication with children and families, including education and emotional support.

  • Development of protocols for safe medication administration and adverse effect monitoring in pediatric patients.

  • Collaboration with child life specialists, psychologists, and multidisciplinary teams to enhance care quality.

5. Gynecological Oncology Nursing Network

Focus: This network serves nurses caring for women with cancers of the reproductive system, including cervical, ovarian, and uterine cancers.

Activities:

  • Training on chemotherapy, surgical care, and radiation therapy specific to gynecological cancers.

  • Patient counseling sessions addressing reproductive health, fertility, and treatment side effects.

  • Development and implementation of care pathways for pre- and post-treatment care.

  • Peer-to-peer learning and case discussions on complex patient management.

  • Advocacy for patient education and community awareness programs on women’s cancers.

6. Palliative and End-of-Life Care Nursing Network

Focus: This network supports nurses providing palliative and end-of-life care, ensuring dignity, comfort, and psychosocial support for patients and families.

Activities:

  • Training on pain and symptom management, including opioid use and non-pharmacologic interventions.

  • Workshops on communication, emotional support, and counseling for patients and families.

  • Development of palliative care guidelines and protocols adapted to PNG healthcare settings.

  • Multidisciplinary collaboration with doctors, social workers, and counselors to provide holistic care.

  • Education programs on ethical decision-making, advance care planning, and cultural sensitivity in end-of-life care.

Membership & Participation

  • Open to all PaNGONA members with interest or expertise in any specialty.

  • Members participate through workshops, webinars, case discussions, and collaborative projects.

  • Regional coordinators facilitate engagement across all provinces.

Benefits of Joining

  • Specialized professional development and training.

  • Networking and collaboration with peers and international experts.

  • Opportunities to contribute to research and policy initiatives.

  • Recognition as a leader in a specific oncology nursing specialty.