The nurse's role in cancer rehabilitation. Review of the literature.

Rehabilitative nursing is an integral part of all phases of patient-centered care. The role of the nurse in addressing rehabilitation issues for cancer patients is one of teaching, counseling, and coordination. Nurses have made significant contributions to educational programs available to cancer patients and their families. The program structure, content, and setting are as varied as the potential patient. Site-specific support programs, as well as programs that identify and support positive coping behaviors, have been developed by nurses. In their efforts to maximize resource allocation in a variety of settings, nurses have developed roles and programs that promote the process of rehabilitation. This review of nursing literature provides a source for nurses wishing to continue designing programs that enhance rehabilitation.