Confidence and authority through new knowledge: An evaluation of the national educational programme in paediatric oncology nursing in Sweden

• Education in paediatric oncology nursing is of importance for professional practice.
• Nurses were better prepared for specialist care after the programme.
• Increased knowledge in paediatric oncology nursing gave confidence and authority
• Knowledge was generating new knowledge as it was shared with co-workers
• Nurses, equipped with relevant knowledge, remained in specialist care.

SummaryBackgroundThere is a lack of nurse specialists in many paediatric hospitals in Sweden. This lack of competence is devastating for childhood cancer care because it is a highly specialised area that demands specialist knowledge. Continuing education of nurses is important to develop nursing practice and also to retain them.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to evaluate a Swedish national educational programme in paediatric oncology nursing.Settings and participantsThe nurses who participated came from all of the six paediatric oncology centres as well as from general paediatric wards. At the time of the evaluation, three groups of registered nurses (n = 66) had completed this 2 year, part-time educational programme.Design and methodsA study specific questionnaire, including closed and open-ended questions was sent to the 66 nurses and 54 questionnaires were returned. Answers were analysed using descriptive statistics and qualitative content analysis.ResultsThe results show that almost all the nurses (93%) stayed in paediatric care after the programme. Furthermore, 31% had a position in management or as a consultant nurse after the programme. The vast majority of the nurses (98%) stated that the programme had made them more secure in their work. The nurses were equipped, through education, for paediatric oncology care which included: knowledge generating new knowledge; confidence and authority; national networks and resources. They felt increased confidence in their roles as paediatric oncology nurses as well as authority in their encounters with families and in discussions with co-workers. New networks and resources were appreciated and used in their daily work in paediatric oncology.ConclusionsThe programme was of importance to the career of the individual nurse and also to the quality of care given to families in paediatric oncology. The national educational programme for nurses in Paediatric Oncology Care meets the needs of the highly specialised care.