Strengthening oncology nursing in rural communities: Identifying professional needs and the benefits of CANO/ACIO support

Abstract

Background: Rural and remote populations are disproportionately affected by chronic diseases, such as heart disease and cancer. Canadian nurses practising in rural and remote settings require a broad knowledge base, as they are engaged in generalist practice and must care for patients who disproportionately experience healthcare access inequalities, lack of resources, and many other challenges, often in the context of primary care. Nurses play a central role, as they care for patients across the cancer care continuum, while continuously assessing these citizen’s unique experiences, challenges, and needs. Thus, this survey aimed to describe rural and remote nurses’ practices and responsibilities in relation to oncology nursing, the value of resources and benefits of the Canadian Association of Nurses in Oncology/Association canadienne des infirmières en oncologie (CANO/ACIO), as well as the professional needs of these nurses to support their practice.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was administered online between October and December 2023 to Registered Nurses, Licensed Practical Nurses/Registered Practical Nurses, and Nurse Practitioners, currently practising in rural or remote facility-based or community-based practice settings in Canada. Participants were recruited through online platforms through CANO/ACIO, Canadian Association for Rural and Remote Nursing/L’Association Canadienne pour les soins infirmiers en milieu rural et éloigné (CARRN/ACSRE), the Canadian Nurses Association/Association des infirmières et infirmiers du Canada (CNA/AiiC), and the Community Health Nurses of Canada/Infirmières et infirmiers en santé communautaire du Canada (CHNC/IISCC). Data were collected using Survey Monkey. The survey consisted of a series of questions regarding sociodemographic information, nursing background, certification in specialty areas, professional needs, and CANO/ACIO membership and benefits.

Results: In total, 107 participants responded to the survey, of which 92% were Registered Nurses, 5% were Nurse Practitioners, and 3% identified as Licensed Practical Nurses/Registered Practical Nurses. Overall, 41% of the participants reported practising in a rural community cancer program, and 34% in community hospitals. Only 36% of the participants reported having a Canadian Nurses Association (CNA) certification. A total of 99 participants responded to questions regarding knowledge of CANO/ACIO, of which 91% reported knowing about CANO/ACIO and 38% reported having a membership. Five major areas of need were identified by survey respondents: access through technology, access to financial support, advanced education, opportunities for self-care, and potential for community of practice.

Conclusion: This survey describes rural and remote nurses and their practice in relation to oncology across Canada. Survey respondents highlighted CANO/ACIO as a trusted source for resources in oncology nursing practice. For the future, CANO/ACIO and CARRN/ACSRE may collaborate to address the needs identified by survey participants.