Oncology nurses participate in collaborative practice with care team staff to provide the best quality management of cancer patients. Nurses are also regularly involved in promoting nursing practice in various ways, such as research, systematic training and advanced learning (Rieger and Yarbro, 2003). An oncology nurse cares for both cancer patients and people at risk of developing the disease. They monitor the patient's physical status, give prescriptions and administer chemotherapy. This is one of the most challenging yet rewarding areas of nursing practice. The purpose of this article is to examine the role of health promotion in oncology nursing practice. The first part will be a discussion of the role of oncology nursing, history and future direction, as well as benefits and challenges. The second part will examine the role of health promotion in the Canadian healthcare system and the role of nursing in health promotion. The final part will examine how health promotion can be applied in oncology nursing. Discussion The oncology nurse works in various settings, such as radiation therapy facilities, ambulatory care clinics, and in acute care hospitals and community agencies. Their roles vary from focusing on intensive bone marrow transplant care to community screening, cancer detection and prevention. They also have a role in assessing patients, providing education, direct care, symptom management and supportive care. Their clients include cancer patients and their families (Rieger and Yarbro, 2003). In the direct patient care role within a hospital setting, oncology nurses are responsible for coordinating patient a...... middle of paper ...... or conducting literature searches (CANO, 2013 ). Conclusion In conclusion, oncology nurses work together with other medical personnel to improve the positive management of cancer patients. They have important roles, which include monitoring the patient's health and prescribing treatment, as well as administering chemotherapy. Their profession is rewarding and challenging at the same time. It helps them make positive changes in the patient's life and creates interrelationships between themselves, patients and families. The occupation is also emotionally demanding as they must witness the daily struggles of patients and the desperation and worry of their families. Promoting health care in oncology nursing can help establish new research on cancer treatment and provide information to patients to help improve patient health..