Training Programs

St. Jude Global Nursing: Fundamentals for Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Nursing Course

The Papua New Guinea Oncology Nurses’ Association Inc. (PaNGONA) is pleased to announce the rollout of the St. Jude Global Nursing “Fundamentals for Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Nursing Course” for nurses across Papua New Guinea. This course is designed to enhance the knowledge and practical skills of nurses caring for children with cancer.

Course Overview

• Target Participants: Bedside nurses new to pediatric hematology-oncology or those seeking to update their practice.

• Objective: Strengthen competencies in pediatric oncology nursing, chemotherapy administration and safe handling, infection prevention, oncologic emergencies, and pediatric palliative care.

• Cohort Size: Approximately 40–50 nurses.

• Participating Hospitals:

  • Port Moresby General Hospital

  • Angau Memorial General Hospital

  • East Sepik Provincial Hospital

  • Western Highlands Provincial Hospital

Program Structure

Phase 1 – Online Training:

• Delivered via Cure4Kids platform.

• 11 self-paced modules, each with:

  • Pre-test and post-test (≥80% pass required)

  • Lecture slides with audio

  • Resources and module evaluation

  • 1-hour live expert-facilitated session per module

Phase 2 – On-site Practical Training:

• Competency assessment through hands-on application, covering:

  • Nursing assessments

  • Chemotherapy administration

  • Central line care

  • Oncologic emergencies

  • Hematology management

  • Pediatric palliative and end-of-life care

Course Modules

1. Nursing Assessments

2. Pain Management

3. Line Care

4. Childhood Cancer and Treatment

5. Basic Concepts of Hematological Disorders

6. Chemotherapy – Principles & Common Medications

7. Chemotherapy – Safe Handling

8. Oncologic Emergencies

9. Nursing Care of Treatment-Related Side Effects (Parts 1 & 2)

10. Nursing Care of the Immunosuppressed Patient

11. Pediatric Palliative & End-of-Life Care

Course Facilitators

International:

• Lorena Segovia Weber – St. Jude Global Nursing, Program Coordinator

• Jayne Harrison – Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne, Course Oversight & Mentoring

• Michele Casey – Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network, Live Session Facilitation

• Sally Blair – St. Jude Global Nursing, Asia Pacific Program

• Monnie Abraham – St. Jude Global Nursing

Local:

• Annita Alu – PMGH, Local Coordination

• Peter Fore – PaNGONA, Remote Facilitation & Mentoring

• Fred Aloma – PMGH, Local Support & Mentoring

Key Dates

• Registration Opens: 1 October 2025

• Course Commences: 1 November 2025

Action Required: Participants must submit their email addresses immediately to ensure timely registration.

Certification

• Participants will receive certification from St. Jude Global Nursing after:

  • Completing all modules with ≥80% pass rate

  • Attending all live sessions

  • Demonstrating competency during on-site practical assessments

Registration Platform

• Cure4Kids – requires computer and internet access

• For inquiries, contact: png.oncologynurses@gmail.com

Acknowledgment

PaNGONA appreciates all nurses who expressed interest and applied for this course. This initiative is a major milestone in developing pediatric oncology nursing in PNG, in partnership with international experts from St. Jude Global Nursing and Australian institutions.