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Utilizing oncology nurse practitioners: a model strategy
Wilshire Oncology Medical Group, Pomona, CA
When utilized as full members of the healthcare team, oncology nurse practitioners (ONPs) can help meet the challenge of maintaining the highest level of quality cancer care as physicians keep pace with patient demand and stay abreast of the latest in cancer research. ONPs possess the skills, compassion, patience, and understanding of a bedside nurse. They are well versed in the theories of cancer medicine and clinical decision-making. Through their graduate school training, ONPs learn to exercise the critical thinking and medical assessment skills needed to help care for patients. This article describes the experiences of an ONP in one practice that can serve as a model for how these healthcare professionals enhance patient care and practice management.
| Commun Oncol 2005;2:218–224 | full text |  130 kb |