[No motivation, no time, no money--does oncologic graduate and continuing education still have a future? Presentation at the 50th Scientific Session of the Society of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology within the scope of the KOK and PSAPOH general session].

For many years the nursing profession has been considered a dead-end street without any prospects of career advancement or continued qualification. This situation has thoroughly changed. Nursing as an academic specialty has been established in 24 colleges. Furthermore, on-the-job specialty training has become available. In some regions of Germany the installation of specialty training courses has, however, been hampered by political opposition. The Northrhine-Westphalian situation is described to illustrate the reasons for such an attitude. At the same time many nurses lack motivation to continue on-the-job training. Benefits (such as advancement opportunities) for those who complete training might serve to increase the motivation and participation of nurses. Specialty training is essential in ensuring the quality of care particularly in high pressure fields such as oncology and also extends the nurses' personal range of experience, reasons enough to enforce the legal realisation of specialty training.