Wilson R, Burbage D, Dickman E, Ginex P. Navigating Through Disaster: Application of Oncology Nurse Navigator Competencies to Climate Disaster Preparation and Response.
Semin Oncol Nurs 2024;
40:151581. [PMID:
38326160 DOI:
10.1016/j.soncn.2024.151581]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES
The role of the oncology nurse navigator (ONN) before, during, and after a climate disaster is critical to ensuring that individuals with cancer continue to receive the necessary care and support. The objective of this article is to provide an overview of the essential role of the ONN by highlighting the application of core competencies to climate disasters.
METHODS
Competencies available for ONNs from the Oncology Nursing Society include coordination of care, communication, education, professional role, and expertise. International Council of Nurses (ICN) core competencies for disaster nursing include eight domains: preparation and planning, communication, incident management systems, safety and security, assessment, intervention, recovery, and law and ethics. These competencies are explored for application to climate disaster preparation, mitigation, and response.
RESULTS
The ONN competencies and the domains of the ICN disaster nursing competencies were integrated to outline the role of the ONN in disaster preparedness and response.
CONCLUSION
The ONN is pivotal in maintaining the continuity of cancer care. The ONN's expertise is critical for navigating the difficulties presented by hurricanes, floods, wildfires, and other extreme climate events as well as existing barriers to cancer care. The ONN's adeptness at coordinating care, communicating effectively, and tapping into community resources will transfer to a climate disaster, ensuring minimal treatment interruptions and access to necessary care.
IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE
The ONN is integral to the cancer care team in preparing and responding to climate disasters. The ONN ensures ongoing access to cancer care and advocates for the specialized care that people with cancer need. The ONS ONN Core Competencies and the ICN Disaster Competencies are applicable for developing processes and procedures to address climate disasters in clinical practice.
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