Specialist Lung Cancer Nurse

Specialist Lung Cancer Nurses in Australia

Across Australia, many nurses dedicate their careers to supporting people affected by lung cancer. Among them are Specialist Lung Cancer Nurses (SLCNs), also known as Lung Cancer Clinical Nurse Consultants (CNCs). Working within Respiratory or Cancer Services across Australia, SLCNs deliver care through diverse models, from hospital-based to telehealth and community-integrated, ensuring expert, compassionate, and coordinated support wherever patients live.  

With support from state and federal governments, Lung Foundation Australia partners with health services across the country to recruit and support Specialist Lung Cancer Nurses. 

Specialist Lung Cancer Nurse Model of Care

Lung Foundation Australia’s Specialist Lung Cancer Nurse Model of Care promotes consistent, high-quality specialist nursing care for people at risk of or affected by lung cancer. The model is relevant to any lung cancer nurse in Australia, guiding advanced practice nursing care across the lung cancer continuum of care, from pre-diagnosis, at diagnosis, throughout treatment, to survivorship and end-of-life care. Wherever possible, a Lung Foundation Australia Specialist Lung Cancer Nurse is positioned in Respiratory Medicine, with a role focus, pre-diagnosis, at diagnosis and post-treatment survivorship, where unmet patient need is high. Through coordinated, evidence-based, and person-centred care, Lung Foundation Australia Specialist Lung Cancer Nurses help improve outcomes and experiences for people living with lung cancer. 

To learn more about our SLCN Model of Care, click the links below

ANZ-LCNF

Australia and New Zealand Lung Cancer Nurses Forum (ANZ-LCNF) is Lung Foundation Australia’s peak group for lung cancer nurses dedicated to supporting people living with a thoracic malignancy. For over 15 years, the ANZ-LCNF has been bringing together passionate nurses with a common focus to improve patient care, healthcare delivery and outcomes for patients with lung cancer, their families and carers. This growing network, of over 400 members, provides an opportunity for debate, education and knowledge transfer throughout the continuum of treatment. Please join us by becoming a member today. 

Lung Cancer Nurse Training Package

Lung Foundation Australia has developed a range of free, accredited eLearning courses to support nurses in the delivery of evidence-based, culturally safe care to people affected by lung cancer. Content has been developed by clinical experts, including clinicians, specialist lung cancer nurses and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Practitioners with extensive knowledge and experience in the specific healthcare contexts of people living with, or at risk of lung cancer. 

Our nurse training has been packaged together and includes: 

1. Fundamentals of Lung Cancer and Lung Cancer Nursing Care
2. Optimal Lung Cancer Care – Prevention, Detection, Diagnosis, Staging, and Treatment Planning
3. Optimal Lung Cancer Care – Treatment
4. Lung Cancer Survivorship
5. First Nation’s Lung Cancer

Refer Your Patient

Lung Foundation Australia offers a range of free, expert-led services to support people impacted by lung disease and lung cancer. Our services provide timely, evidence based information, emotional support, and practical tools to help patients, carers and families navigate the healthcare system and confidently manage their lung condition. Available services include: 

Telehealth services, offering 1-on-1 telephone support from qualified health professionals including: 

• Lung Cancer Specialist Nurse
• Respiratory Care Nurse
• Occupational Lung Disease Nurse
• Social Worker

Peer support programs, connecting people through shared experiences:

• Support groups – in person and online
• Peer connect – 1-on-1 peer support

Exercise programs, connecting individuals to Pulmonary Rehabilitation, a 6-8 week program combining exercise and education to improve fitness and manage symptoms.

Our services compliment clinical care by providing patients, carers and families with additional, trusted support. Referrals are encouraged and easy to make.

Lung Cancer Resources for your Patients

FAQ’s