Hematology Oncology Nursing
Hematology Oncology nursing is a special field of nursing that deals with patients suffering from cancer and blood disorders. It is a unique nursing field because it combines both hematology and oncology nursing practices. Nurses in this field are experts when it comes to patients in need of long term care. Some hematology oncology nurses also specialize in taking care of patients in need of bone marrow transplantation.
Ties with Pediatrics
The Hematology Oncology field is known for its close involvement with pediatrics. Despite the fact that hematology oncology nurses deal with patients of all age groups, it still remains that a majority of the patients treated are children. Most adults who are under the care of hematology oncology nurses are those patients who are under long term care. These patients are those individuals who have been diagnosed in childhood and end up dealing with the condition in adulthood.
This close relation with pediatrics led to the formation a nursing association called Association of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Nurses (APHON). APHON also offers certifications and continuing education opportunities for their members.
Diagnoses
There are a lot of different types of cancers and hematologic disorders, but Hematology Oncology nurses often deal with the following diagnoses:
- Leukemia – Leukemia is a type of cancer affecting the blood and the bone marrow. This disease involves the abnormal reproduction of blood cells.
- Sickle Cell Anemia – Sickle Cell Anemia is a type of anemia that is characterized by blood cells that are sickle (crescent) shaped instead of flat, smooth and round. Sickle cells have the tendency to clump together. Patients with sickle cell anemia suffer from chronic pain and stunted development.
- Tumors of the Central Nervous System – Tumors can be both benign and cancerous.
- Thalassemia – Thalassemia is a genetic disorder affecting the normal formation of hemoglobin molecules.
- Aplastic Anemia – Aplastic anemia is a condition that affects the bone marrow. In this case, the marrow produces a lesser amount of blood cells than what is required by the body.
Other diagnoses include clotting disorders such as Hemophilia. Hematology oncology nurses may also encounter conditions such as: Lymphoma, Neutropenia, T-cell disorders, Rh diseases, Anemia, etc.
Areas of Practice
Hematology Oncology nurses would often find themselves in the following areas of practice:
- Pediatric Units – Hematology Oncology nurses working in pediatric units often take care of young patients suffering from cancers and blood disorders. These nurses also take care of patients with juvenile diabetes and juvenile thyroid disorders.
- Long Term Care Facilities – Long term care facilities see Hematology and Oncology nurses employed as carers for patients with hypertension, diabetes, cancers, thyroid problems, blood disorders and much more.
- Research Centers – Research centers often employ Advance Practice Nurses (APNs) who have specialized in Hematology Oncology nursing. Nurses in these centers help in the researching and formulating improvements in the hematology oncology field.
- Critical Care Units – critical care units also employ hematology oncology nurses. Nurses in Critical Care Units take care of patients suffering from severe cases of hereditary diseases.
Published at: 05/08/2015
