CON(C) Oncology study plan
CON(C) Oncology · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 6 hours per week
Symptom Management and Supportive Care & Oncologic Emergencies and Complications of Cancer and Treatment
Compare and contrast the pathophysiology, assessment findings, and immediate nursing interventions for the five oncologic emergencies (sepsis, febrile neutropenia, tumor lysis syndrome, hypercalcemia, and spinal cord compression).
Explain the mechanisms of action, expected adverse effects, and nursing management for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, mucositis, and diarrhea.
Describe the assessment and management of cancer-related pain using the WHO analgesic ladder and multimodal analgesia.
Identify risk factors and prevention strategies for infection in the neutropenic patient.
Apply evidence-based guidelines to prioritize nursing actions for a patient with suspected febrile neutropenia.
Your checkpoint
Create a one-page triage algorithm for febrile neutropenia that includes assessment parameters, immediate interventions, and escalation criteria.
Cancer Biology, Diagnosis, Staging and Treatment Modalities & Oncologic Emergencies and Complications of Cancer and Treatment
Differentiate the phases of the cell cycle and explain how chemotherapy agents are classified by cell-cycle specificity.
Describe the mechanisms of action and common toxicities of targeted therapies and immunotherapies, including immune-related adverse events.
Outline the TNM staging system and its application to common solid tumors.
Explain the rationale for and nursing implications of radiation therapy, including skin care and fatigue management.
Identify the indications for and complications of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.
Your checkpoint
Build a comparison table of three chemotherapy regimens (e.g., CHOP, FOLFOX, AC-T) listing agents, cell-cycle phase, major toxicities, and key monitoring parameters.
Cancer Biology, Diagnosis, Staging and Treatment Modalities & Symptom Management and Supportive Care
Analyze the nurse's role in administering oral and intravenous chemotherapy safely, including extravasation prevention and management.
Evaluate the use of biomarkers and genetic testing in treatment selection and patient education.
Develop a plan for managing fatigue, anorexia, and cachexia in a patient receiving active treatment.
Describe the nursing considerations for patients receiving hormonal therapy and immunotherapy.
Synthesize assessment data to prioritize nursing diagnoses for a patient with multiple treatment-related side effects.
Your checkpoint
Write a 500-word case study of a patient experiencing two concurrent treatment-related toxicities, including assessment, prioritization, and interventions.
Roles and Responsibilities of the Oncology Nurse & Professional Practice, Ethics, Safety and Quality Improvement
Define the scope of practice and core competencies of the oncology nurse across care settings.
Explain the ethical principles (autonomy, beneficence, nonmaleficence, justice) as they apply to oncology nursing dilemmas.
Describe safety standards for hazardous drug handling, including personal protective equipment and spill management.
Identify quality improvement methodologies and their application to oncology nursing practice.
Outline the process for informed consent and the nurse's role in patient advocacy.
Your checkpoint
Complete a 20-question self-assessment quiz on roles, ethics, and safety, and write a reflection on two missed concepts.
Psychosocial, Spiritual and Cultural Care & Patient Education, Shared Decision-Making and Self-Management Support
Assess the psychosocial, spiritual, and cultural needs of patients and families using validated screening tools.
Apply principles of shared decision-making to a patient considering treatment options.
Develop a teaching plan for a patient starting oral chemotherapy, including adherence and safe handling.
Describe strategies to support self-management and symptom reporting in patients receiving outpatient treatment.
Identify resources for psychosocial support and how to refer patients appropriately.
Your checkpoint
Role-play a shared decision-making conversation with a peer, using a checklist to evaluate the use of teach-back and cultural humility.
Palliative, End-of-Life and Survivorship Care & Health Promotion and Prevention of Cancer
Compare palliative care and hospice care, including eligibility criteria and goals of care.
Explain the nurse's role in end-of-life care, including symptom management, family support, and bereavement care.
Identify modifiable risk factors and screening recommendations for common cancers (breast, colorectal, lung, prostate, cervical).
Describe survivorship care plans and the nurse's role in coordinating survivorship care.
Discuss health promotion strategies and vaccine recommendations for cancer survivors.
Your checkpoint
Create a one-page survivorship care plan template that includes screening schedules, health promotion, and psychosocial support resources.
Health Promotion and Prevention of Cancer & Symptom Management and Supportive Care & Psychosocial, Spiritual and Cultural Care
Integrate health promotion and prevention into the care of patients at risk for cancer.
Evaluate the effectiveness of symptom management interventions using patient-reported outcomes.
Demonstrate culturally sensitive communication in a simulated family meeting.
Analyze the impact of social determinants of health on cancer outcomes and access to care.
Develop a plan for supporting a patient experiencing distress or depression.
Your checkpoint
Write a 750-word integrated care plan for a patient with advanced cancer that addresses symptom management, psychosocial support, and health promotion for the family.
Roles and Responsibilities of the Oncology Nurse & Cancer Biology, Diagnosis, Staging and Treatment Modalities & Symptom Management and Supportive Care & Oncologic Emergencies and Complications of Cancer and Treatment & Psychosocial, Spiritual and Cultural Care & Palliative, End-of-Life and Survivorship Care & Professional Practice, Ethics, Safety and Quality Improvement & Patient Education, Shared Decision-Making and Self-Management Support
Synthesize knowledge across all domains to answer practice questions under timed conditions.
Identify and remediate two areas of weakness through focused review.
Apply test-taking strategies to scenario-based questions.
Develop a personal plan for ongoing professional development and certification maintenance.
Your checkpoint
Complete a 100-question practice exam with a score of at least 80%, and create a remediation plan for any missed content areas.
Milestones
Week 2: Score at least 75% on a 30-question quiz covering domains 4 and 5.
Week 4: Submit the triage algorithm and comparison table, and achieve at least 80% on a 40-question midterm covering domains 1, 3, 4, 5, and 8.
Week 6: Present the survivorship care plan template and role-play feedback, and score at least 80% on a 30-question quiz covering domains 2, 6, 7, and 9.
Week 8: Achieve at least 80% on the 100-question practice exam and complete the remediation plan.