Future direction of the clinical nurse specialist in cancer care

This chapter explores and examines the future direction and possible trends in practice and care delivery for clinical nurse specialists (CNS)s working in cancer services. There will be an emphasis on the continuing central role of caring within this specialist role. Mindful that the CNS is required to work within a context that is rapidly changing and within health care services that must be able to respond to these changing needs, there will be an exploration of some of the current skills required of the CNS and how these skills may need to change and develop to meet current and future needs. CNSs working within cancer teams and alongside people living with cancer will have an important leadership role in helping to redesign services that are more inclusive and can better respond to diverse needs of those with cancer. Finally, to continue achieving the core components of this vital role in nursing and health care, the chapter will focus on the importance of learning from practice through encouraging structured reflection.