Aim
To describe how a National Cancer Nurse Practitioner (CNP) Specialist Practice Network (SPN) remains relevant in educating, adapting to change and how it continues to grow and foster professional collegial relationships through education, research and mentoring.
Methods:
With the complexity and acuity of patient care changing and increasing demands on the medical workforce, a specialised CNP workforce is needed to help manage patients. Support, education and collaboration are considered pivotal to the success of the CNP role nationally, which has been reported as a significant gap by CNPs. In order to meet this gap, the Cancer Nurses Society of Australia (CNSA) CNP SPN was established with a shared vision for quality and relevant education amenable to this level of advanced practice and to allow for networking opportunities and peer support.
Results:
From a core of 15 members, the group has grown to a membership of 103 from all Australian states and territories over the last 10 years. The SPN aims to provide 3 days of face-to-face education each year and adapted successfully during extended COVID-19 lockdowns by providing webinars. The education is made possible and sustainable through industry sponsorship support. This industry support and alignment with CNSA have ensured sustainability, allowed professional representation and provided logistical support. Not only does this group have the opportunity to educate its members, but it also provides them a voice by consulting on developing practices, emerging policies and significant issues that impact NP practice. Recently the SPN commenced work in CNP mentoring research and has developed and validated a self-assessment learning needs tool that has the potential to be rolled out both nationally and internationally.
Conclusion:
The development and continued sustainability of the CNP SPN is vital. The CNP SPN helps develop and advance clinical practice for CNPs across Australia in a model that could be easily replicated.