UPMC CANCER CENTER PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION COURSE ANNOUNCEMENTS WINTER / SPRING 2009
ORIENTATION TO ONCOLOGY FOR THE HEALTH CARE PROVIDER: Friday, January 16, February 20, April 17 OR June 19 This one-day seminar provides a general overview of cancer, the disease process, treatments, symptom management, and its impact on patients and families. It is intended to enhance the practice of both health care professionals and ancillary staff who care for cancer patients in hospitals, ambulatory care, home care, hospice, extended care or rehabilitation settings. Participants can attend the morning only, or the entire day. The morning topics are applicable to all staff, including nurses, unit clerks, office staff and other health care professionals, who want to learn more about what cancer is, treatment options, and psychosocial needs of cancer patients. The afternoon topics are geared for nurses and other staff who want to learn more about assessment and care of oncology patients, blood products and select oncology emergencies. FOUNDATIONS TO PRACTICE IN ONCOLOGY: The following 5 courses constitute Foundations to Practice in Oncology. All 5 are recommended prerequisites for oncology staff who need to take the Comprehensive Chemotherapy and Biological Therapies Course. All others may take individual courses of choice. • Pathophysiology of Cancer and Cancer Treatment Modalities Wednesday, January 7 or March 25 This course provides an overview of the principles and roles of various cancer therapies. Included are clinical trials, surgery, chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, biological therapies, radiation therapy, stem cell transplantation, complementary therapy, and a review of the pathophysiology of cancer. • Overview of Solid Tumors and the Immune System Wednesday, January 14 or April 1 This course provides an overview of a variety of solid tumors, including breast, colorectal, lung, melanoma, prostate, genito-urinary, gastrointestinal cancers, and others and a review of the immune system. • Symptom Management of the Patient with Cancer Wednesday, January 21 or April 8 This course addresses how health care professionals can help patients deal with physical symptoms and issues related to their disease and its treatment, such as gastrointestinal manifestations, pain, fatigue, cutaneous reactions, nutrition, psychosocial needs of patients, families, and caregivers, rehabilitation needs, and sexual function and reproductive issues.
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Oncology Emergencies and Advanced Cancer Issue Wednesday, January 28 or April 15 This course addresses various oncologic emergencies, bone marrow depression, DIC, and thrombotic events. Immunosuppression and end-of-life issues are also addressed. Hematological Malignancies Wednesday, February 4 or Friday April 24 This course provides an overview of specific hematological malignancies, including leukemias, lymphomas, multiple myeloma and myelodysplastic syndrome. Presentations include information on staging, treatment options, and nursing care issues.
COMPREHENSIVE CHEMOTHERAPY & BIOLOGICAL THERAPIES COURSE Wednesdays, February 11, 18 & 25 or Mondays, April 27, May 4 and May 11 This three-day course is designed to address the needs of nursing and other oncology professionals in relation to chemotherapy and biological therapies. It includes information on current pharmacotherapy, safe handling, and administration of anticancer agents and various issues concerning the management of patients receiving cancer therapy. A post-test is required for completion of this course. Successful completion of this course is required for staff administering these agents at UPMC. Chemotherapy Exam Review & Test Taking Time Wednesday, March 4 or Monday May 18 from 8:00 a.m. – 12 noon This exam review and test taking time is only for UPMC employees and is OPTIONAL. Please discuss with your manager prior to registration. You may sign up for the review or test-taking. A brief overview of topics from the Comprehensive Chemotherapy and Biological Therapies Course will be provided. Exam time is proctored and successful completion will fulfill course requirements. OCN® TEST REVIEW COURSE: Friday, January 9 and Saturday, January 10 This two-day course provides an overview of the information required to assist the oncology nurse in preparing for the generalist oncology nursing certification OCN® exam. Information provided in this course is consistent with review materials provided by the Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation. STEM CELL TRANSPLANT COURSE: Thursdays, April 16 and 23 This two-day course addresses the individual and joint needs of nursing, pharmacy, and other professions in relation to Stem Cell Transplantation. It includes information on current transplantation issues such as patient work-up, disease process, and patient care and management. Selected topics include differentiating types of transplants, mobilization and preparative regimens, growth factors, the role of total body irradiation, transfusion issues, graft vs. host disease, and other transplant related topics.
For more information, call 412-623-3652.