About the Framework
A national, evidence-informed resource defining the capabilities required by nurses caring for people affected by cancer.
The Australian Cancer Nursing Capability Framework (AusCaN Framework) is a national, evidence-informed resource that defines the capabilities required by nurses caring for people affected by cancer across all care settings. Developed to support the cancer nursing workforce from foundational practice through to advanced and autonomous roles, the framework provides a shared language and a clear progression pathway for professional development.
The framework is organised around four interconnected domains — Clinical Practice, Education and Learning, Leadership and Management, and Research and Innovation — and three capability levels: Essential(expected of all cancer nurses), Specialised (expected of many), and Advanced (expected of a few, leading innovation and system change). Together, these domains and levels describe the full scope of cancer nursing capability, from safe person-centred care through to influencing policy and shaping the future of cancer care.
The AusCaN Framework is designed for registered nurses, clinical nurse specialists, nurse practitioners, nurse educators, and nurse leaders working in public and private hospitals, community and primary care, academic, and research settings. It supports individuals in planning their professional development, teams in identifying learning needs, and organisations in workforce planning and capability building.
The framework was developed through a collaborative partnership between the Cancer Nurses Society of Australia (CNSA) and Flinders University's Caring Futures Institute, with guidance from a Framework Advisory Group of cancer nursing leaders. It reflects extensive consultation with the profession and is intended as a living document that evolves with the changing landscape of cancer care.
This site also offers an interactive self-assessment tool that allows nurses to reflect on their current capabilities against the framework, identify development goals, and generate a personalised professional development summary. The assessment is developmental and non-punitive in intent — it is designed to support honest reflection and growth, not performance management.
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