Performance of the nurse in radiotherapy

Cancer is a public health problem with a high incidence and mortality rate. The study aims to analyze and discuss about the nurse's role in a radiotherapy unit. This is an experience report performed in a radiotherapy unit of a High Complexity Unit in an Oncology Center of a general hospital in the Northwest region of the State of Rio Grande do Sul. The insertion in the unit occurred through the Postgraduate Curricular Internship Lato Sensu in Oncology. It was identified that the nurses' performance is focused on the nursing consultation, at which time the care plan inherent to the treatment of the patient and his / her family is established. In addition, the managerial and leadership activities in front of the team were evidenced. The nurses' performance as supervisor, manager, coordinator, nursing team leader and active participant of the interdisciplinary team at this location was verified. In addition, the nursing consultation constitutes a fundamental intervention strategy, with a view to reducing adverse reactions, resulting from oncological treatment and enabling the creation of a link among the nurse, patient and family. The opportunity to make reflections and discussions about the nurse's role in radiotherapy aims to qualify the care to the individual with cancer, extended to the family.