Navigating the New Era of Oncology Nursing With Natasha Pinheiro, MSN, NP, AGPCNP-BC

Understanding the Shifting Landscape of Oncology Nursing

Pinheiro began by reflecting on her 25-year journey in GI medical oncology and the collaborative nature of the project. “I worked on this with colleagues from across the country—Karen Waldrup from the University of Alabama, Nina Grenon from Dana-Farber, and Brittni Prosdocimo from Hillman Cancer Center. We wanted to understand how the role of the oncology nurse is changing as society and healthcare change,” she explained.

The team conducted a cross-sectional survey of 197 oncology nurses from 17 states, representing a range of roles including registered nurses (RNs), nurse practitioners, infusion nurses, and nurse navigators. “Most of our respondents were in outpatient settings, which really reflects where much of oncology care is delivered today,” Pinheiro noted.

The Impact of COVID-19 and the Rise of Telehealth

A central focus of the survey was the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on nursing practice. “We started this project about a year and a half after coming out of active COVID, so a lot of what we were thinking about changed as a result of the way the role has had to acclimate,” Pinheiro said. The survey revealed two major shifts: an increased workload for nurses and the rapid adoption of telehealth.

“Most of the respondents reported that there was obviously an increase in workload, particularly among the registered nurses, the nurse practitioners, and the infusion nurses,” she shared. “The use of telehealth and virtual care with regards to oncology nursing changes the dynamic between clinician and patient, and it also opens up the way you learn how to triage a patient who is not physically standing in front of you.”

Evolving Responsibilities—Education, Communication, and Teamwork

The survey also highlighted the expanding responsibilities of oncology nurses in patient and family education, symptom management, and multidisciplinary collaboration. “Nurses are now expected to take on a greater role in patient and family education and giving the support to the patient and the family,” Pinheiro explained.

A recurring theme was the need for enhanced communication skills, especially for difficult conversations. “The expectation is the communication skills. Nurses play a big part in goals of care discussions and end of life discussions, and they need to be comfortable to have those discussions,” she said.

Adapting Training and Onboarding for a New Era

Pinheiro emphasized that the changes in practice require a new approach to training and onboarding. “We cannot onboard nurses the way we did 10 years ago or even 6 years ago. It’s an absolutely different setting,” she stated. “You really have to know how to hone your questioning skills, your investigating skills, and even just your clinical skills to be able to get that information out where you’re, a lot of the time, just seeing someone from the chest up .”

Embracing Change and Advocacy

As the profession continues to evolve, Pinheiro encourages nurses to embrace new technologies and maintain their advocacy role. “It’s important to be open to change and to be open to embracing some of the new technologies—AI is going to be a big thing. I think it’s also really, really important to maintain your voice as a clinician, as a nurse, and continue to be what the role was always originally set out to be, and that is to advocate for your patients.”

She added, “While you’re embracing those changes, advocate and make sure that it’s being done safely and smartly.”

The Broader Impact on Oncology Nursing

Pinheiro’s vision for oncology nursing is both practical and forward-thinking. “Everything that we do as nurses, as oncology nurses—whether it’s in research, education, or clinical practice—eventually should boil down to improving the quality of care for those that we serve,” she said.

As we celebrate Oncology Nursing Month, Pinheiro offered a message to her colleagues: “Be open to change, embrace new technologies, and always advocate for your patients and for yourself.”

Key Takeaways

• The profession is seeing increased responsibilities in telehealth, patient education, and multidisciplinary care, especially in outpatient settings.
• The pandemic led to increased workloads and a dramatic shift toward virtual care, requiring new skills in tele-triage and remote communication.
• Preparing nurses for today’s environment means rethinking how new staff are trained, with a focus on technology, communication, and critical thinking.
• Nurses should embrace technological advances while continuing to advocate for patients and the profession, ensuring that changes are implemented safely and effectively.

About Natasha Pinheiro

Natasha Pinheiro, MSN, NP, AGPCNP-BC, is a GI Medical Oncology Nurse Practitioner at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. With over 25 years of experience in oncology nursing, she is dedicated to advancing the profession through education, research, and patient advocacy. She is passionate about preparing the next generation of oncology nurses to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing healthcare landscape.