Congress Abstracts 2005

21

A MODEL FOR INTEGRATING ONCOLOGY AND GERONTOLOGY IN AN ADVANCED PRACTICE NURSING PROGRAM. Deborah McGuire, PhD, RN, Sandra W. McLeskey, PhD, RN, and Ann Marie Spellbring, PhD, RN, University of Maryland School of Nursing, Baltimore, MD.

As the baby boomers age, cancer prevalence will increase dramatically. The 2002 Annual Report to the Nation on Cancer estimated that cancer prevalence will more than double by 2050, with the majority of increase occurring in people over 65. Although increased attention has been given to preparing oncology nurses to meet this challenge, little emphasis has been placed on preparation of advanced practice nurses (APNs). This paper reports on how one school of nursing has integrated oncology and gerontology content into a single comprehensive graduate program and prepares graduates for dual certification.

Since cancer primarily affects elders, it is imperative that APNs be adequately prepared to care for this special population. In an informal survey, we found that most graduate oncology programs rarely integrate gerontology into required coursework. The purpose of this presentation is to describe the components and initial evaluation of an academic model that comprehensively integrates oncology and gerontology in an APN program.

The model combines an accredited gerontology nurse practitioner (GNP) program with an oncology specialty track that prepares a blended APN role (GNP and clinical nurse specialist). Foundational science courses provide strong background in both oncology and gerontology. Clinical courses and practice experiences are designed to meld key components of oncology and gerontology advanced practice. Graduates meet the educational criteria for national GNP and oncology APN certification.

This program is new, with one graduate to date, and two students in process. Initial evaluation focuses on meeting dual specialty competencies in the coursework and clinical experiences, post-graduate work settings, and student evaluation and feedback. Important components include close faculty collaboration, development of appropriate clinical settings for dual competencies, and students who have clearly defined career goals and commitment to both specialties.

The program clearly meets a compelling need, and is now seeing a gratifying increase in application and enrollment. Integration of oncology and gerontology content is essential for preparing APNs who can care for the rapidly increasing population of elders with cancer. (Funded by the John A. Hartford Geriatric Nursing Education Project/Creating Careers in Geriatric Advanced Practice Nursing).