Publications

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RCN Publications

A framework for developing practice in paediatric oncology nursing (PDF 216.4KB)
This document provides information for developing paediatric oncology nurses. Outlining some of the defining characteristics of paediatric oncology and developments in professional practice.

Mouth care for children and young people with cancer: evidence-based guidelines. Guideline report (PDF 840KB) (February 2006)

Mouth care for children and young people with cancer: evidence-based guidelines. Methodological report (PDF 1.71MB) (February 2006)

Caring for young people: guidance for nursing staff (PDF 101.4KB)
The RCN has developed this information to offer guidance to nursing staff who are involved in caring for the needs of young people. Topics covered include: consent to treatment, primary care and nurse training.

Managing the fertility of male cancer patients: RCN guidance for oncology and haematology nurses (PDF 842.2KB)
Advances in assisted reproduction techniques offer greater opportunities to treat infertility in people with cancer. This also means that nurses have to manage many more issues at the time of a new diagnosis and referral. This guidance aims to provide information to oncology and haematology nursing staff on the options available to men who may wish to freeze their sperm, and focuses on counselling, consent issues, developing a comprehensive information service and referral recommendations.

Nutrition in children and young people with cancer
Nutritional status affects the prognosis for children and young people with cancer. Well nourished patients are better able to resist infection and tolerate treatment. This RCN document gives guidance about nutrition for children and young people with cancer, and is aimed at nursing staff and other health professionals. It examines the particular problems faced by children with cancer in obtaining good nutrition, and recommends ways in which hospitals can improve food provision to offset some of these problems. It looks at the management of nutrition in young cancer patients in detail. This guidance has been developed in conjunction with members of a multidisciplinary team including specialist paediatric dieticians and paediatric oncologists.

RCN Competencies: an integrated framework for nurses working in the field of children and young people's cancer care
Paediatric oncology is a complex speciality, for which specific skills are required in order to meet the needs of children and young people. This competence framework replaces and broadens the previous RCN publication, Competences: An integrated competency framework for training programmes in the safe administration of chemotherapy to children and young people (RCN, March 2005) .
The framework encompasses Agenda for Change and the Knowledge and Skills Framework (KSF) implemented across the UK in December 2004. The framework uses an outcomes competence model and addresses a number of political and professional issues and initiatives.