Future role of nursing personnel in oncology

The innovative developments in oncology have a great impact on patient care and on the nurses themselves. The implied rationing of nursing care leads to increased risks for the patients and the nurses. This problematic situation should be approached as follows: nurses with advanced clinical experience are to be integrated in daily practice; evidence-based continuing education courses for patient counseling and patient education are to be implemented. The framework for nursing is adapted to the patients' needs and the internationally acknowledged criteria for magnet hospitals will also be recognized and put into practice in Europe.