CNSA launches Cancer Nurses Day
The Cancer Nurses Society of Australia (CNSA) has launched Cancer Nurses Day to shine a spotlight on the remarkable work cancer nurses do across all aspects of cancer care.
To be held on Thursday, 15 August, the inaugural day will recognise the work of cancer nurses nationwide, highlighting their role in improving patient outcomes.
With recently released figures showing a critical shortage of nurses and undersupply of nearly 80,000 nurses by 2035 in Australia1, the need to acknowledge their contribution has never been more pressing, according to the CNSA.
Currently, 7700 cancer care nurses are employed nationwide2, facing increasing workloads and the risk of burnout unless immediate action is taken to address workforce shortages and invest in their future.
The theme for this inaugural event, ‘Strong, Skilled, Specialised’, reflects the unique strengths of cancer nurses: Strong in support, Skilled in practice, and Specialised in knowledge.
“As a cancer nurse, I see every day the difference nurses make to cancer patients’ experiences of care,” said Anne Mellon, President of CNSA.
“We hear countless stories about how a cancer nurse has had a profound impact on their lives, but we rarely take the time to recognise and celebrate this contribution. In the face of the current workforce challenges, now more than ever it is time to recognise the rewarding work of being a cancer nurse.”
Over 1 million Australians currently live with or have lived with cancer3, and an even larger portion of the population has been impacted by cancer as relatives or carers. Cancer nurses provide compassionate support and expert care from diagnosis through recovery and beyond. Their specialised knowledge and dedication directly influence positive outcomes and experiences for patients and their families4.
Jemma Still, CEO of CNSA, said, “We aim for this to become an annual event, recognising the incredible work of cancer nurses and their vital contribution to the health and wellbeing of all Australians.”
Cancer nurses across Australia will be organising events in their workplaces to celebrate not only their contributions but also those of their colleagues. This is an opportunity to reflect on how cancer nurses are leading and adapting to the changing landscape of cancer care, shaping the future of the profession for the better.
1. Department of Health and Aged Care. Nursing Supply and Demand Study 2023-2045. Available at: nursing-supply-and-demand-study-2023-2035.pdf (health.gov.au)
2. National Health Workforce Dataset (NHWDS). Available at: https://hwd.health.gov.au/resources/information/nhwds.html
3. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Cancer data in Australia. Available at: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/cancer/cancer-data-in-australia/contents/overview-of-cancer-in-australia-2023
4. Cancer Nurses Society of Australia. Position Statement on Contribution of Cancer Nurses to Improve Outcomes for Individuals Impacted by Cancer. Available at: https://www.cnsa.org.au/ajcn/cancer-nursing-workforce-survey
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