Adolescents and Young Adults: Addressing Needs and Optimizing Care With a Clinical Nurse Specialist

Clin J Oncol Nurs. 2017 Feb 1;21(1):123-126. doi: 10.1188/17.CJON.123-126.

Abstract

Adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with cancer aged 15-39 years have unique psychosocial, informational, and medical concerns compared to their older adult and pediatric counterparts. Recognizing the gaps in young adult cancer care, an AYA program was launched at a large tertiary cancer center to optimize the AYA cancer care experience. This article describes the contributions of a clinical nurse specialist in AYA program development.

Keywords: adolescents and young adults; fertility; clinical nurse specialist.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Needs Assessment
  • Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Neoplasms / nursing*
  • Neoplasms / psychology
  • Nurse Clinicians / organization & administration*
  • Nurse's Role*
  • Nurse-Patient Relations
  • Oncology Nursing / organization & administration*
  • Referral and Consultation / statistics & numerical data
  • United States
  • Young Adult