The Future of Gero-Oncology Nursing

ObjectivesTo project the future of gero-oncology nursing as a distinct specialty, framed between analysis of current challenges and explication of prospective solutions.Data sourcesPeer-reviewed literature, policy directives, web-based resources, and author expertise.ConclusionOncology nursing faces several challenges in meeting the needs of older people living with cancer. Realigning cancer nursing education, practice, and research to match demographic and epidemiological realities mandates redesign. Viewing geriatric oncology as an optional sub-specialty limits oncology nursing, where older people represent the majority of oncology patients and cancer survivors. The future of gero-oncology nursing lies in transforming oncology nursing itself.Implications for Nursing PracticeSpecific goals to achieve transformation of oncology nursing into gero-oncology nursing include assuring integrated foundational aging and cancer content across entry-level nursing curricula; assuring a gero-competent oncology nursing workforce with integrated continuing education; developing gero-oncology nurse specialists in advanced practice roles; and cultivating nurse leadership in geriatric oncology program development and administration along with expanding the scope and sophistication of gero-oncology nursing science.