New Delhi :The nursing department of Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute and Research Center (RGCIRC) organized the first National Nursing conference, Nursicon 2019. In this conference organized at Hotel Crown Plaza in Rohini, New Delhi, various aspects, challenges related to oncology nursing were discussed & highlighted by various dignitaries. The theme of the Nursicon 2019 was Excellence in Oncology Nursing, Enriching Life: A Comprehensive Approach.

During the two days conference discussion and talks took place on various topics that included; Changing Trends in Oncology Nursing Practice: Value-Based Care and an Empowered Patient, New trends and recent nursing care approaches in pediatric oncology, Safe Practices are Key for Nurses Handling Chemotherapy Medications – Theory Vs Practice, Role of nurse in Immunotherapy: The next frontier in cancer treatment, Exploring Nursing Challenges in oncology, Role of an oncology nurse as a nurse navigator, Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy: Nurses Role and Opportunities, Nurses Perspective in Cancer Prevention and Health promotion, Nursing management of neutropenic patients, Role of nursing personnel in Laboratory testing, The Pivotal Role of Nurse In Pain management & Palliative care for oncology patients, Role of nurse in Oncology rehabilitation, patient and family education among others.

Talking about the conference, Lt Colonel (Retd) Madhumita Dhall, Chief of Nursing, RGCIRC said, “In the past, the major cancer treatment was surgery, and the role of the nurse was limited to inpatient care of the surgical patient. As chemotherapy and radiation therapy evolved as treatment modalities, nurses looked for opportunities to contribute to cancer care.”

“Last two decades have seen a revolution in the evolution of newer techniques in the area of cancer diagnosis, treatment and oncology nursing. Cancer survival rates have improved and nursing has experienced a shift that acknowledged the importance of professionalism in nursing. Over the years the practice of oncology nursing has attained the role of direct caregiver, educator, consultant, administrator, and researcher. Oncology nursing extends to all healthcare delivery settings from prevention, screening, treatment to palliation,” she added.