Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN) Nursing Practice Test

Resource utilization is a key standard of oncology nursing practice that focuses on the effective evaluation and mobilization of resources to enhance patient outcomes. This standard emphasizes the importance of using available resources—such as financial assistance, supportive services, and educational materials—in a way that optimally benefits patients and addresses their specific needs. By actively engaging in resource utilization, oncology nurses are able to identify gaps in care, streamline processes, and ensure that patients have access to the necessary tools and support systems for their treatment journey. In the context of oncology nursing, this could involve coordinating with medical teams, social workers, and community resources to create a comprehensive care plan that supports not only the medical needs of the patient but also their emotional and social well-being. Therefore, effective resource utilization enhances the overall care delivered to patients, leading to improved outcomes and quality of life. The aspects of patient advocacy, collaboration, and collegiality, while important to nursing practice, focus more specifically on individual patient support, teamwork amongst healthcare professionals, and professional relationships, respectively. These areas do not specifically encapsulate the direct evaluation and mobilization of resources in the same manner that resource utilization does.