| Abstract: | Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australian men. A cancer diagnosis causes physical, social and psychological morbidity. The role of the specialist nurse in chronic illness care is well recognized both nationally and internationally; however, the role of the Prostate Cancer Specialist Nurse is not as developed or formalized in Australian health care delivery. Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA) aims to bridge this gap and has developed a model to pilot a number of Prostate Cancer Specialist Nurses in various locations throughout both metropolitan and regional Australia. This paper reports on the findings of a project commissioned by PCFA to define a model for a national Prostate Cancer Specialist Nursing service. The service model was developed following an extensive consultation process at a national level. A framework for practice and professional development for the Prostate Cancer Specialist Nurse has been developed which utilizes both the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Council Registered Nurse Competency Frameworks and the National Cancer Nursing Education Project Professional Development Framework. The pilot program will involve PCFA working in partnership with host health regions by providing funding for the recruitment of the nurses on a 3‐year trial basis. The nurses will be employed directly by the host health regions and will be professionally supported by PCFA. The program will also be formally evaluated. |
