Butte College

Course Outline

2026-2027 Catalog

NSG 47 - Oncology Nursing

Catalog Description

Transfer Status
CSU
Prerequisite
NSG 31, NSG 32, NSG 35, NSG 36, NSG 37
Corequisite
NSG 41, NSG 42, NSG 43, NSG 44, NSG 49
Unit(s)
2.00
  • Lecture: 34.00 Contact hours/68.00 Out of class hours/102.00 Total hours/2.00 Unit(s)
  • Total: 34.00 Contact hours/68.00 Out of class hours/102.00 Total hours/2.00 Unit(s)

Course Description: This course provides a foundation in the study of oncology nursing care including an introduction to oncology, prevention, detection and medical treatment. Content includes loss, grief, and death and dying. Graded only.

Objectives

Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:

  1. Describe the psychosocial aspects of stress, loss and grief, death and dying.
  2. Utilize the nursing process as applicable to adults experiencing oncology disorders.
  3. Compare principles, practices, and skills applicable to the nursing care of adults with oncology conditions.
  4. Describe health maintenance strategies related to oncology conditions.
  5. Formulate teaching plans based on health principles and concepts of oncology nursing practice.
  6. Describe cultural differences and needs of individuals with oncology conditions.
  7. Utilize therapeutic communication strategies in the care of clients and families.
  8. Formulate caring interventions when interacting with others.

Course Content

Topic Titles / Suggested Time Topic

Lecture

Lecture topics and suggested hours
TopicsLec Hrs
Grief and Loss2.00
Death and Dying2.00
Epidemiology: Growth and Spread2.00

Prevention and Risk Assessment

3.00
Early Detection and Diagnosis2.00
Cancer Treatment Options5.00

Adverse Effects of Cancer and its Treatment

4.00
Major Cancers12.00
Community Resources for Oncology Clients2.00
Total Hours:34.00

Methods of Instruction

  1. Discussion
  2. Homework: Students are required to complete two hours of outside-of-class homework for each hour of lecture
  3. Lecture
  4. Multimedia Presentations
  5. Student Presentations
    Independent Study
    Audio-Visual aids

Methods of Evaluation

  1. Exams/Tests
  2. Quizzes
  3. Oral Presentation
  4. Written Assignments
  5. In-class assignments

Examples of Assignments

Reading Assignments

  1. Read the chapter in your textbook on chemotherapy and radiation treatment. Be prepared to discuss in class.
  2. Read the chapter in your textbook on Alternative Treatment Modalities. Be prepared to discuss in class.

Writing Assignments

  1. Complete the Death and Dying Case Study on the hospice patient with terminal cancer. Be prepared to discuss this in class.
  2. Write a 5-6 page APA paper on one of the following cancers: breast, prostate, colon or lung. Include risk factors, how it is diagnose and how it is treated. Be prepared to break into groups in class, and discuss the contents of your paper.

Out-of-Class Assignments

  1. Watch the movie "WIT". Be prepared to discuss the role of the nurse in the movie in class.
  2. Research how cancer is staged and be prepared to discuss in class.

Recommended Materials of Instruction

Lewis, S., Heitkemper, M. & Dirksen, S., O'Brien, P. & Bucher, L. (2017). Medical-Surgical Nursing: Assessment and Management of Clinical Problems. St Louis: Mosby, 10th.

Treas, L. & Wilkinson, J. (2014). Basic Nursing: Concepts, Skills, Reasoning. Philadelphia: F. A. Davis, 1st.

Pagana, K., & Pagana, T. (2017). Mosby's Manual of Diagnostic and Laboratory Tests. St Louis: Elsevier, 13th.

Other Learning Materials

Cancer Facts and Figures: 2016 American Cancer Society

Minimum Qualifications

Licensed Vocational Nursing

Nursing (Masters Required)