Collaboration between oncology clinical nurse specialists and nursing administrators

Abstract

Collaboration between oncology clinical nurse specialists (OCNSs) and nurse administrators (NAs) is built upon mutual respect, commitment, and shared skills and responsibilities. The current emphasis on cost containment, national healthcare priorities, and social issues is changing the environment in which OCNSs and NAs practice. Within this changing environment, OCNSs can exert a powerful and positive influence on nursing practice and quality patient care. When OCNSs and NAs share a common vision of desired patient care outcomes, a collaborative relationship between the two will effectively support the implementation of that vision in practice. As a result, the positions of the OCNS and the NA are strengthened, and organizational goals are realized.