Background:

An increasing number of patients with an oncology diagnose will be seen in the future. The oncology care is complex and in great need of nurses with a high level of competence. There is a lack of previous research in the specialist oncology nurses competence and therefore knowledge of their skills can reveal an understanding of their competence.

Aim:

The aim of the study was to describe the competence of the specialist oncology nurse.

Method:

Four oncology nurses and two directors of oncology care were interviewed. The interview text was analyzed using qualitative content analysis.

Results:

The result showed that the oncology nurses had developed six different competences within different areas. These competence areas were assertiveness, patient-centered care, ethical and moral-, pedagogical-, to lead and develop- and theoretical competence. They described their competences in a way of feeling more confident and they had a deeper theoretical knowledge. They also described that the needs of the patient as central. They found it easier to communicate and to give information and had a greater ambition to develop the oncology care.

Conclusion:

Deeper theoretical knowledge is a necessity to develop new competence. Theoretical knowledge seems essential in order to develop new competence. To be able to use their new competences, time, opportunities and support must be given to the specialist oncology nurse. It is also important for the specialist oncology nurse to claim and believe in her competence.