The role of the Specialist Breast Nurse
The specialist breast nurse (SBN) coordinates the care of the person diagnosed with breast cancer. It is best if the nurse meets with the patient as early as possible in her progress through the system to make sure her care is coordinated. The SBN liaises with all the different areas that the patient is likely to come in contact with. The nurse is someone that the patient can refer back to, and is there to make sure she has all the relevant information she needs. The SBN can also show her where to find the different literature and resources including support groups and networks.
The SBN role is important because it provides a single point of contact for the person with breast cancer and provides continuity of care from diagnosis on. The SBN can liaise with the screening centre, the surgeon, radiation and medical oncologists, social worker, physiotherapist and the many other health professionals, support and information services the patient may come in contact with.
A Breast Care Nurse can be found at:
North West Regional Hospital (03) 6430 6599
Hobart Community Nurse Service (03) 6222 7602
Kings Meadows Community Health Nurse Service (03) 6336 5535
McGrath Breast Care Nurse at BreastScreen and the Royal Hobart Hospital (03) 6216 4335
McGrath Foundation Nurse www.mcgrathfoundation.com.au
A McGrath Breast Care Nurse has been appointed to BreastScreen Tasmania and the Royal Hobart Hospital - the objective of the position is to improve the quality and continuity of care and support provided to women diagnosed with breast cancer across the continuum of care. The focus of the position is on coordination, support and seamless care.
The McGrath Breast Care Nurse will work closely with providers and the community/regional breast care nurses to ensure seamless transition of care and support for women from diagnosis through BreastScreen to surgery, treatment and the whole breast cancer experience.
All women from all over the state diagnosed with breast cancer should have contact with a breast care nurse.
Training Resource
Tasmanian Breast Cancer Care Resource for Health Workers
Please note that this resource has been split into sections (see links below) due to the size of the document.
- Contents
- Section 1 - Overview
- Section 2 - The Breast
- Section 3 - Types of breast Cancer
- Section 4 - Clinical Practice Guidelines
- Section 5 - Surgery Options
- Section 6 - Nursing Care / Follow Up
- Section 7 - Lymphoedema
- Section 8 - Adjuvant Therapy
- Section 9 - Psychosocial Care
- Section 10 - Younger Women
- Section 11 - Care of the Patient with Metastatic Disease
- Section 12 - Palliative Care
- Section 13 - Targeted Resources
- Section 14 - Practical Resources
- Section 15 - General Resources
- Section 16 - Professional Development in Cancer Care for Health Workers
- Section 17 - Glossary