Book Description

This comprehensive textbook for oncology nurses is organized into two parts. Part I contains information on the major principles of cancer treatment (i.e., epidemiology, pathophysiology, oncologic emergencies, etc.). In Part II issues related to specific cancers (i.e., breast, rectal, pancreatic, etc.) are discussed. This book is intended as a reference for oncology nurses. The field of oncology nursing has changed greatly in the last five years. Oncology nurses need a current, comprehensive text so that they can understand a patient's trajectory, provide appropriate interventions, and teach patients and their family members how to manage symptoms and cope with their diseases. I agree with the authors that the scope and practice of oncology nursing has been expanding beyond the hospital setting. Oncology nurses are found in the outpatient as well as the home care settings. A comprehensive reference is needed in order to be able to keep abreast of this demanding and changing specialty. The book met the authors' objectives. Text chapters provide the reader with a thorough discussion of the issues. The special features found in the text on standards of patient care, patient teaching guides, and quality improvement tools are very helpful to the reader. According to the author, the book is written for oncology nurses and oncology nursing students. I agree with the authors' targeted audiences. This book is specifically written for nurses in order to help them gain an understanding of the disease process, medical management, nursing implications, and teaching needs of patients. Both of the authors of this text are credible authorities on the subject matter presented. Miaskowki has had a wide variety of oncology nursing experience and is currently professor and chair of the Department of Physiologic Nursing at UCSF. Buchsel is recognized as an expert in the nursing care of bone marrow and stem cell transplantation. She is currently a clinical instructor at the University of Washington School of Nursing Education and is an oncology nurse consultant. The principles of cancer and current treatment modalities are covered in this book. Trends in surgical, radiation, chemotherapy, and biotherapy are written about in detail. In addition nurses are able to review the clinical implications and nursing management of patients undergoing disease specific treatment. The information on patient home care needs and patient teaching guides is very helpful. All aspects of oncology nursing care are covered in this text (including psychosocial, cultural, and terminal care issues). Tables and diagrams are appropriate and useful. One shortcoming of the text of note is that all diagrams appear in black-and-white. This is a very useful and comprehensive reference for oncology nurses. Providing the reader with nursing standards of care and patient teaching information are additional valuable features of this book. This book is well written and compares favorably with other books in the field such as Groenwald's "Cancer Nursing: Principles and Practice," 4th Edition (Jones and Bartlett, 1997). 83/100. Stacen Keating, RN, BSN(Mount Sinai Hospital and Medical Center) Copyright 2006 Doody Reviews.