Nurses have the opportunity to continue to develop professionally in their role through a variety of educational offerings, progressing through our clinical ladder, participating on a committee, and by pursuing advanced degrees through the Duke University School of Nursing.

Duke nurses certified in oncology:

In comparison, about 43 percent of oncology nurses in the United States are certified in oncology.

Over 70 percent of oncology nurses at Duke University Hospital hold a BSN or higher degree.

We currently have ongoing studies in our inpatient and outpatient environments to learn more about:

• Oral chemotherapy adherence
• Development and implementation of a collaborative practice model for delivering bad news
• Impact of novel service structure on patient outcomes and care giver perception on an inpatient general oncology unit

Recent Publications

• Alexander, L, et al.  (2011). Establishing an evidence-based inpatient medical oncology fluid balance measurement policy. Clin J Oncol Nurs, 15(1), 23-5.
• Creel, P, et al.  (2011). Noninfectious pneumonitis in a patient with renal cell carcinoma treated with everolimus.  Oncol Nurs Forum, 38(2), 125-8.
• Polovich, M, et al.  (2011). Occupational hazardous drug exposure among non-oncology nurses.  Medsurg Nurs, 20(2), 79-85.
• Schneider, SM, et al.  (2011). Effect of virtual reality on time perception in patients receiving chemotherapy.  Support Care Cancer, 19(4), 555-564.
• Gosselin, TK, et al. (2010). A prospective randomized, placebo-controlled skin care study in women diagnosed with breast cancer undergoing radiation therapy. Oncol Nurs Forum, 37(5), 619-26.
• Nevidjon, B, et al.  (2010). Filling the gap: development of the oncology nurse practitioner workforce.  J Oncol Pract, 6(1), 2-6.
• Waring, J, et al.  (2010). Developing a high-dose-rate prostate brachytherapy program.  Clin J Oncol Nurs, 14(2), 199-205.
• Wilcox, B, et al.  (2010). Patient navigation: a “win-win” for all involved.  Oncol Nurs Forum, 37(1), 21-5.
• Frey, M, et al.  (2009). Umbilical cord stem cell transplantation.  Semin Oncol Nurs, 25(2), 115-9.
• Fulcher, CD, et al.  (2008). Putting evidence into practice: interventions for depression.  Clin J Oncol Nurs, 12(1), 131-40.
• Smink, K, et al.  (2008). Overview of stereotactic body radiotherapy and the nursing role.  Clin J Oncol Nurs, 12(6), 889-93.

Duke University School of Nursing

The Duke University School of Nursing has a dedicated program to prepare nurses to be oncology nurse practitioners. The program has been recently updated and is consistent with ANCC and the Oncology Nursing Society Standards. 

We are one of the few schools of nursing that has an oncology specialty at the master’s level. Nurses also have the opportunity to pursue a DNP or PhD degree. Post-master's certificate options are available for those who already have an MSN.

A flexible schedule allows students to be on campus only one or two days a week. Clinical experiences are completed at the Duke Cancer Institute or can be arranged in settings throughout North Carolina. For more information, visit the Duke University School of Nursing Web site: nursing.duke.edu.