Palliative Care: Delivering Comprehensive Oncology Nursing Care

ObjectivesTo describe palliative care as part of comprehensive oncology nursing care.Data SourcesA review of the palliative care, oncology, and nursing literature over the past 10 years.ConclusionPalliative care is mandated as part of comprehensive cancer care. A cancer diagnosis often results in distress in the physical, psychosocial, spiritual, and emotional domains of care. Oncology nurses are essential in providing palliative care from diagnosis to death to patients with cancer. They address the myriad aspects of cancer. With palliative care skills and knowledge, oncology nurses can provide quality cancer care. There are many opportunities in which oncology nurses can promote palliative care.Implications for Nursing PracticeOncology nurses must obtain knowledge and skills in primary palliative care to provide comprehensive cancer care.