Program Description:
Level 7 is the adult oncology inpatient unit of the Verspeeten Family Cancer Centre, located at the Victoria Hospital Site of London Health Sciences Centre
- We provide care to adult patients diagnosed with cancer who require hospitalization in order to receive treatment for their disease
- Care consists of assessment and treatment including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, brachytherapy, radioisotope therapy, blood and bone marrow transplantation, symptom management and some palliation
- Length of stay ranges from less than 24 hours to approximately 6 weeks
- We provide patient centered care for patients and families and partner closely with the outpatient department of Verspeeten Family Cancer Centre, to provide continuity of care
General Information:
- 45 inpatient beds, plus 2 ‘flex’ beds
- Approximately 80 RNs, including 3-NP/CNS, and 1-Clinical Educator
- Located on Level 7 at VH
- Nurse to patient ratio is 1:4 on days and 1:6 on nights
Scheduling Information:
- 12 hour shifts of days (7-19) and nights (19-07)
- 8 hour shifts on days (7-15) and evenings (15-23), Monday-Friday
- Approximately 80% of our nurses are full-time; the remainder are part-time and casual nurses.
Background Essentials:
- Registration with the College of Nurses of Ontario.
Professional Assets:
- Previous experience in Oncology is an asset, as is CNA certification in Oncology
Professional Development:
- In-services and Rounds, on Oncology related topics are offered on a regular basis for all staff and students. Nurses are expected to obtain competency in administration of cytotoxic agents by completing the components of the education program.
- Nurses are encouraged to apply for funding to attend conferences and workshops related to Oncology.
Student Consolidation:
- We accept 6-8 consolidation students each year. We have many preceptors that are committed to creating learning opportunities for students.
- Other student placements on Oncology include: high school co-op students, nursing students in years 1, 2, 3, or 4, refresher or post diploma program.
Program Links:
- Visit our programs’ external website at www.lrcc.on.ca
- Professional Oncology Nursing Associations include: London Oncology Nurses’ Interest Group (LONIG), which is the local chapter of the Canadian Association of Nurses in Oncology (CANO), and the Oncology Nursing Society (ONS)
- Oncology journals that are frequently used include: Oncology Nursing Journal, Cancer Nursing and The Journal.
- Oncology Nursing by Shirley E. Otto is an excellent reference text
- Certification in Oncology, CON(C) is available through CNA
