ABSTRACT
Cardio-oncology nursing is an emerging field of nursing practice and probably one of the most challenging and rewarding nursing specialties that spans across the continuum of cancer care. Cardio-oncology nurses combine their scientific knowledge, technical skills, and caring to help people living with cancer and cardiovascular disease and their families throughout the cancer journey—from diagnosis and treatment to survivorship and end of life care. The roles of cardio-oncology nurses are diverse, depending on their scope of responsibility either as bedside clinicians, advanced practice providers, educators, managers, or nurse scientists. The role of cardio-oncology nurses is essential in the multidisciplinary approach to management of the complex healthcare issues of patients with cancer and concurrent cardiovascular disease before, during, and after antineoplastic treatment to reduce morbidity and mortality in cancer patients and survivors. The cardio-oncology nurse serves as a patient care planner, educator, care coordinator, and provider of emotional support to patients and families during the most difficult and intimate moments as patients are dealing with the challenges of cancer and cancer treatment. They provide encouragement when patients are discouraged through the bouts of cancer treatment with all its adverse effects. In many cases, cardio-oncology nurses are the ones behind the scenes, communicating with doctors, and coordinating care to keep patients safe. Cardio-oncology nurses serve as a bridge between cardiologists and oncologists and the interdisciplinary team to provide seamless care for patients with cancer and concurrent cardiovascular disease.
