Oncology Nursing

The provision of oncological care is becoming more and more specific and specialised as a result of developments in the treatment of cancer. This requires a high level of expertise from the care providers. The postgraduate certificate in Oncology Nursing offers you the chance to deepen your knowledge and skills. By spreading the course over several modules, we allow you to combine work and study. The postgraduate certificate in Oncology Nursing is organised in collaboration with doctors and care providers from Leuvens Kanker Instituut.

Is this programme right for you?

You provide intensive support and care for patients with cancer. You must be up to date with the available treatments and possible side effects. You inform, observe and stimulate the patients before, during and after their treatment. You need to be resilient, as you are dealing with the emotions of patients and their loved ones. Do you feel the need to assess and improve this care? Then the postgraduate certificate in Oncology Nursing is for you.

What will you learn?

First of all, you gain some insight into the field of oncology. You then learn about oncology nursing, gaining extensive knowledge of physiology and pathology. You are also trained in ethics, group dynamics and palliative care. After completing this course, you are equipped with both technical and psychosocial knowledge and attitudes.

Where can you work?

You can work in any setting where oncology nursing takes place.
The Royal Decree of 26/09/2006 includes a "nurse specialising in oncology" in the list of special professional titles. The oncological care programme (Royal Decree of 21/03/2003) also includes a special professional competence for oncology nurses.
The postgraduate certificate in Oncology Nursing satisfies the requirements and criteria of a special professional competence in nursing (Ministry of Public Health).

Study programme

Module 1  (academic year 2008-2009, 2009-2010): 10 ECTS credits

Group dynamics, Epidemiology and diagnostics, Radiotherapy, Systemic Therapy, EBN and Search Strategies, Psychosocial care, Palliative care, Oncological Surgery, Ethics, Supportive care, Breast carcinoma theme day.

Module 2 (academic year 2010-2011): 13 ECTS credits

More in-depth study of the following oncological topics: Pelvic gynaecology, Respiratory system, Urology, Haematology, Gastroenterology, Brain tumours, Symptom control, Pivotal moments and Ethical issues, and a 100-hour work placement.

Exemptions

No exemptions can be obtained for this course.

Enrolment

For more information, or to enrol, contact Pierino Verrando:
pierino.verrando@khleuven.be.