Objectives: To reflect on the historical evolution of radiation oncology nursing.
Data sources: Published articles and texts, historical archives of professional organizations, and the authors' experience.
Conclusions: The radiation oncology nursing role is multifaceted. Role components include patient assessment, patient education, support and counseling, physical care, continuity of care, research, and administrative and leadership activities. There is wide variation in staffing patterns and role implementation throughout the world, and in recent years there has been increasing interest in the development of advanced practice nursing roles in this specialized area of oncology.
Implications for nursing practice: Changes in the health care environment make it difficult to predict how the role of the nurse in radiation oncology will evolve in the future. Radiation oncology nurses will need to be proactive in developing the knowledge and skills needed to meet the challenges of the future.