General provisions

The course consists of theoretical studies and is included in the Specialist nursing programme with focus on oncology care 60 credits. The course consists of 4 credits health sciences and 3.5 credits medical science.

Entry requirements

Admitted to the Specialist nursing programme with focus on oncology care

Learning outcomes

On completion of the course, the student will be able to:

Knowledge and understanding

• describe various symptoms that are common in the palliative phase of a cancer disease and how symptom control is achieved in case of common symptoms
• describe and specify the meaning of cross-cultural care in the end of life
• describe and specify methods and strategies in palliative nursing in order to achieve symptom control and promote quality of life and support to family/close relations,
• lead and coordinate various professions' actions in the care and the nursing of the patient in close cooperation with family/close relations in order to achieve teamwork
• describe and specify evidence-based nursing in palliative care
• demonstrate advanced knowledge of ethical theories and analyse and reflect on how these theories can be adapted to the nursing of the palliative care
• apply knowledge of laws, statutes and ordinances governing the activities of palliative nursing

Skills and ability

• select and use subjective symptoms check-lists intended for patients in palliative nursing in oncology care
• independently perform nursing interventions to achieve optimal symptom control in the final stage of life both at home and on institution

Judgement and approach

• analyse and reflect on the importance of utilising the patient's autonomy and integrity
• reflect on how values on patients' and families/close relations' age, gender, ethnicity and sexual orientation may influence the nursing care and relate to the the specialist nurse's responsibility to prevent discrimination

Content

Medical science

• Symptom control in palliative nursing in oncology treatment and care

Health sciences

• Ethical issues in terminal care in oncology care
• Cross-cultural issues in the final stage of life in oncology care
• Families/close relations' needs and various forms of related support in oncology care

Instruction

Lectures, seminars, web-based teaching and discussion forums. Learning assignments with focus on clinical activities

COMPULSORY PARTS

Introduction to course, scheduled group meetings, seminars, study assignments with written and oral presentation.

Assessment

Examination of the objectives of the course is continuous throughout the course in the form of oral and written assignments - the examinations individually and in groups. At examination in groups the student shall participate actively with knowledge and reflection.

Passing the course requires:

• passed individual examination
• passed active participation in compulsory parts

Other directives

A student who has failed examination may retake the examination four times (= total five examinations). After five failed examinations, the student may lose his/her guaranteed place in the education. The undergraduate education committee however may, if special circumstances apply, admit the right to additional examination.

Every time the student participates in an examination counts. Submission of so called "blank" exam is counted as examination.

In accordance with chapter 6, sections 21-22 in the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100) the student has the right on request to change examiner after two failed examinations.