JOPHON CNE (Jan/Feb 2022): Playing With a Purpose: The Impact of Therapeutic Recreation During Hospitalization-Handout

Handout

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The Association of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Nurses (APHON) underscores the critical need for specialized education to prepare nurses for caring for children, adolescents, and young adults with hematologic and oncologic disorders. Advances in treatment have increased survival rates, demanding nurses with high-level knowledge, skills, and clinical judgment. APHON emphasizes three educational priorities: ensuring organizations deliver comprehensive preparation, encouraging lifelong learning among nurses, and fostering strategies to reduce disparities in pediatric hematology/oncology care globally.<br /><br />The document highlights challenges such as nursing shortages, reduced pediatric-specific training in general nursing education, and the complexity of care due to evolving treatments. Newly graduated nurses are often less prepared for pediatric hematology/oncology care, necessitating structured orientation and specialized training programs. APHON advocates for education tailored to nurses' experience levels, utilizing diverse teaching methods including simulation, focusing on key content areas like disease management, emergency response, psychosocial aspects, clinical trials, and professional practice.<br /><br />Recommendations include specific educational pathways: hospital orientations, residency programs, APHON’s Foundations courses, Pediatric Chemotherapy and Biotherapy Provider Program, pediatric palliative care education, and advanced pediatric emergency response training. Certification such as the Certified Pediatric Hematology Oncology Nurse (CPHON) credential is encouraged.<br /><br />Hospitals and institutions must commit to robust pediatric hematology/oncology orientation, competency validation, ongoing education, and staff support emphasizing critical thinking and mental health. APHON also promotes reducing care disparities by sharing educational resources and supporting global nursing education via scholarships and international training offerings.<br /><br />Overall, APHON asserts that all pediatric hematology/oncology patients and families deserve expert, evidence-based nursing care provided by well-educated nurses supported by institutions and continuous learning, which collectively improve outcomes and advance the specialty worldwide.

Keywords

Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Nursing

APHON

Specialized Nursing Education

Nursing Shortages

Pediatric Oncology Care

Nursing Certification CPHON

Clinical Judgment in Nursing

Pediatric Chemotherapy Training

Nursing Lifelong Learning

Reducing Care Disparities