About Us > Roles and Function

The key functions of the CNSA include:

Developing and disseminating resources which contribute to advances in cancer nursing practice.

Facilitating research in the area of cancer nursing that will contribute to improvement in care of people with cancer.

Promoting cancer nurses' contribution to national cancer control activities and policy.

Providing opportunities for professional networking amongst cancer nurses.

CNSA Services
Services provided by CNSA reflect the objectives and priorities which are set by the CNSA National Executive Committee, through consultation with CNSA members. CNSA services include:

Development of Standards and Guidelines for Cancer Nursing
• Outcome Standards for Australian Cancer Nursing Practice
• Australian Standards for Specialist Cancer Nursing Education Programs

Publication of Newsletters and Journals
• CNSA Newsletter (Bimonthly)
• The Australian Journal of Cancer Nursing (Official Journal of the CNSA)

Annual CNSA Winter Congress
• Features instructional, abstract, and poster sessions with a commercial exhibit

COSA Annual Scientific Meeting
• Multidisciplinary meeting that features abstract and poster sessions, and a commercial exhibit

Annual Research Development Workshop
• Held during the Annual CNSA Winter Congress, this workshop features instructional sessions on the conduct, critique, and utilisation of research

CNSA Grants Award Scheme
• Various Society and industry sponsored research and travel grants, to facilitate the professional development of nurses and advancement of nursing practice

Representation on peak professional groups/ organisations associated with nursing and cancer care, including:
• Clinical Oncological Society of Australia (COSA) Council
• Australian Cancer Society/ COSA Medical and Scientific Committee
• National Nursing Organisations
• International Society for Nurses in Cancer Care
• Cancer Australia Quality & Professional Development National Advisory Group

Development and dissemination of position statements on issues of importance to patient care and education

Regional Group of CNSA
• Provide opportunities that contribute to the mission of the Society

Major Strategic Priorities over the Next Two Years

• Clarify the range of educational products and opportunities available in Australia to enable decision making in relation to career development
• Develop and revise practice guidelines relating to:
  • Chemotherapy Nursing Practice
  • Bone Marrow transplant Nursing
  • Advanced Cancer Nursing Practice
• Promote the use of clinical guidelines and research based practices in cancer nursing
• Encourage participation and expand opportunities for cancer nursing research
• Gain a presence on national committees relating to cancer care policy
• Consolidate organisational processes that are responsive to members' needs
• Support the development of regional groups of CNSA
• Establish special interest groups of the Society

CNSA Structure
The CNSA is governed by a nationally elected Executive Committee, which comprises representatives from each state and territory in Australia. Committees and project teams are appointed by the National Executive to lead activities that assist with achieving the Society's mission of excellence in cancer care. CNSA Regional Groups provide further opportunities for meeting the professional needs of nurses in specific geographical locations.

The CNSA is the nursing group of the Clinical Oncological Society of Australia (COSA). The Society is a member body of the National Nursing Organisations, and the International Society of Nurses in Cancer Care.

For Further Information
If you would like further information about the Cancer Nurses Society of Australia, please contact:

Cancer Nurses Society of Australia
GPO Box 4708
Sydney NSW 2001
Telephone: (02) 9036 3100
Facsimile: (02) 9036 3101
Email: info@cnsa.org.au