New Gastro-Intestinal Community of Practice (CoP)
CNSA is proud to partner with the Gastro-intestinal Cancer Nurses Network (GICaNN) to launch a new Community of Practice (CoP) designed for cancer nurses who care for patients with gastro-intestinal (GI) cancers.
This collaborative space will support nurses to learn, connect, and share expertise to improve patient outcomes, reduce anxiety, and enhance survivorship experiences.
About our partnership with GICaNN
GICaNN brings together more than 100 specialised GI Cancer Nurses from across Australia and New Zealand who are dedicated to education, support, and collaboration in the care of people affected by GI cancers.
GI cancers present a significant and growing health challenge across the region, requiring specialised, multidisciplinary care. Within this landscape, GI Cancer Nurses—including Cancer Care Coordinators, Clinical Nurse Consultants, Clinical Nurse Specialists, and Nurse Practitioners—play a vital role in enhancing patient experiences and outcomes. Many of these nurses work within focused sub-specialties such as colorectal cancer, lower GI, and upper GI cancers.
While specialised GI Cancer Nurses are employed across most states and territories, the structure and scope of these roles vary widely. Some regions benefit from well-established and integrated teams, whereas others may have limited resources or less role clarity. Many nurses also work in highly autonomous or self-directed positions, which can make maintaining professional development, peer connection, and consistency in practice more challenging.
The purpose of the CoP will be to:
- Upskill nurses working in GI cancers through targeted education in symptom management, survivorship, and holistic care.
- Build a strong professional community for nurses supporting patients with GI cancers.
- Provide accessible education through multiple formats (podcasts, webinars, Communities of Practice sessions, and Congress engagement).
- Increase visibility of GI cancers and related resources within CNSA and the broader cancer nursing workforce.
- Foster meaningful collaboration between CNSA, GICaNN, and the nursing community to improve long-term patient outcomes.
