ABSTRACT
This chapter provides a timeline for professional developments in nursing, including a brief discussion on nursing models, alongside discussions of influential government policies. It focuses on developments in oncology nursing and cancer policies. Implications for service provision and the impact of government targets and quality measures are also discussed to show how this has influenced nurses' roles and responsibilities. The nursing profession, along with other health professionals and health services, is heavily influenced by government policies, legislation, and professional guidelines. The chapter provides a broad policy context for oncology nurses and discusses the relevant issues. Several cancer policy documents have included key recommendations for clinical staff, leading to pivotal developments in cancer nurses' roles. One of the most fundamental aspects within the Cancer Reform Strategy is the need to ensure quality of care within service provision. It seems that more work is needed to explore the concept of nurse-led clinics and consider the scope of nurse-led clinics within oncology.
