2022 Workforce Survey Digest 3: Supporting the Educational and Professional Development Needs of Cancer Nurses

Cancer Australia has released a new report following the Understanding the Cancer Workforce Workshop, a national consultation that brought together leaders from across the cancer sector, including representatives from CNSA. The workshop explored the growing pressures on the cancer workforce and the changes needed to ensure Australia can continue to deliver high-quality cancer care into the future.

In this episode of Nursing Excellence in Cancer Care, we have collaborated with Palliative Care Nurses Australia to talk about the real, human side of end‑of‑life cancer care. They explore what palliative care nursing really involves, how oncology and palliative teams can work together, and practical ways to respond when patients and families ask confronting questions like “Am I dying?”

CNSA members are encouraged to take part in a national evaluation of the Australian Cancer Nursing and Navigation Program (ACNNP) and the Cancer Patient Support Program (CPSP). These Programs are designed to improve access to information, navigation and wrap-around support for people impacted by cancer, and to integrate seamlessly with existing health services.

In collaboration with Flinders University, CNSA is currently developing a capabilities framework for Australian Cancer Nurses. If you would like to participate in the Delphi study to obtain expert consensus and have not yet received an invitation through previous consultations, you can still express interest in being involved.

The Australian Government has announced $1 million to fund projects that build stronger networks between cancer services in outer metropolitan, regional, rural, and remote communities, and larger metropolitan centres.

Developed by researchers at Monash University and McGrath Foundation (supported by CNSA), this project aims to develop a self-assessment tool specifically designed for specialist cancer nurses who provide care to people with cancer and conduct pilot psychometric testing to examine internal consistency and known-group validity.