Journal of Nursing & Care

A Unitary Perspective for Cancer Nursing

Abstract

Emiko Endo, Mari Takaki and Tomoko Miyahara

Purpose/Objectives: With development of innovative cancer diagnosis/treatment and increased cancer survivorship, the education of Oncology Advanced Practice Nurses (OAPN) is becoming increasingly complex, from the standpoint of both medical and nursing models. The purpose of this educational article is to address this issue and to present the authors’ reflection on the educational practice with OAPN students in a unitary approach based on Margaret Newman’s theory of health as expanding consciousness.

Data sources and data synthesis: The authors’ journals and the students’ descriptions of their practice were used, and the data was synthesized through dialogue among the authors and the OAPN students.

Conclusion and implications for nursing: It is concluded that the unitary approach focuses on identifying the client’s pattern as a pathway to finding meaning in the situation. By incorporating the medical model within a unitary approach, OAPN students gain a renewed professional nursing identity. Knowledge translation: The knowledge gained in the process of pattern recognition will make a significant difference in survivorship care and will contribute to the core of OAPN education.

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