Teenagers and young adults/transition services: Implications for nurses

Abstract

Cancer care for teenagers and young adults (TYAs) is increasingly being recognised as a speciality in its own right due to the complexities involved of caring for this group of patients at such a significant developmental stage in their lives. Nurses caring for these young patients need to develop enhanced communication skills and knowledge in order to promote the best outcomes for these young people and their families. This chapter outlines the developmental stages of adolescence and young adulthood and what impact a cancer diagnosis can have on the young person and their family and helps to explain some of the stereotypical adolescent behaviours young people may display at this stage of their lives. Key recommendations are suggested to promote therapeutic working with this age group, and opportunities for professional development are suggested to support the professional in working with TYAs.