Further training in oncology nursing

Cancer is the challenge of the present and the future. The individual significance of the disease for the people affected and their families, the personal impairments caused by the disease and the therapy, the right of patients to appropriate advice and treatment and the increase in the cancer problem with the demographic development are just some of the reasons that demand competent and qualified care for people with cancer. The further training course "Nursing in Oncology" adequately strengthens the necessary skills of the participants.

The two-year in-service training is organized in accordance with the Ordinance of the Ministry of Social Affairs on further training in the professions of nursing, pediatric nursing and geriatric nursing in the field of oncology (Oncology Further Training Ordinance) dated December 19, 2000.

For this further training, it is necessary for you to discuss this with your nursing supervisor in advance.

Theoretical lessons

Theoretical lessons are offered on block weeks and study days. This is supplemented with structured practical assignments and learning tasks using the e-learning portal.

Practical training

The practical training is structured as follows:

• 600 hours of conservative internal care
• 600 hours of surgical nursing care
• 300 hours of bedside radiology care
• 300 hours in an oncology outpatient clinic or day clinic
• 300 hours hospice or palliative care unit
• 300 hours KMT ward

The practical assignments can also be completed at the cooperation partners if the relevant requirements are met. Rotation among the participants is encouraged. Practice visits and clinical teaching by the training team are planned.

Further training includes the following qualifications:

1. Healthcare and (pediatric) nurse for oncology
   This is the state-protected professional title in accordance with the Oncology Further Training Ordinance of 19.12.2000.
2. Additional qualification "Breast Care Nurse"
   This certificate is awarded if an assignment in the breast center is completed and a specialist thesis is written.
3. Additional qualification "Palliative Care"
   This certificate is awarded if a placement in a hospice or palliative care unit is completed and a practical report is written. This qualification corresponds to the framework agreement on quality assurance for hospices in accordance with § 39a SGBV.

• Further training can be equated with a master craftsman qualification and thus enables access to a course of study at a university of applied sciences or university without an additional entrance examination (see Ordinance on the Admission of Professionals to Universities of Applied Sciences dated 24.06.2010)
• In some cases, universities also offer graduates of this further training course direct access to a Master's degree course (e.g.Kaleidos University of Applied Sciences Health in Zurich)

Prerequisites for participation

• Training as a healthcare and (pediatric) nurse or geriatric nurse
• Proof of two years' experience in nursing care
• Current area of work is in a specialist area with people suffering from cancer
• Cooperation agreement between the hospital involved and the Heidelberg Academy for Healthcare Professions
• Motivation, communication skills and willingness to learn

This further training can be funded or financed with the following programs:

• Meister-BAföG
• Scholarships for gifted students
• Funding from the employers' liability insurance association (for accidents at work)
• Funding from the BfA (as a rehabilitation measure)
• Training courses are tax-deductible as a retraining measure in the income-related expenses if there is sufficient professional reason for doing so