The pre-conference nursing workshop titled “Beyond the Needle – Empowering Paediatric Hemato-Oncology Nurses through Knowledge, Care, and Compassion” was organized as part of PHOCON 2025 on 28th November 2025 from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM at Manipal. The event was conducted in collaboration with the Department of Child Health Nursing, Manipal College of Nursing (MCON), and the Department of Pediatric Oncology, Kasturba Medical College (KMC), Manipal. The workshop aimed to enhance the knowledge and skills of pediatric hemato-oncology nurses and was aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being. A total of 115 participants, including faculty,nurses, Ph.D. scholars, and students from various states of India, attended the program.

The inaugural session began with a warm welcome by Dr. Chandana Pai, Assistant Professor, Division of Pediatric Hemato-Oncology, Father Muller Medical College, Mangalore. The scientific sessions were divided into four segments. Session 1, titled “Protecting the Vulnerable: Line Care and Symptom Relief in Pediatric Hematology and Oncology”, was chaired by Dr. Mamatha S Pai. Topics included neutropenia and infection risk by Dr. Tarangini Durugappa, catheter-associated bloodstream infection and maintenance by Dr. Prakruthi S K, best practices for central line insertion and maintenance by Dr. Nithin G Pai, flushing and locking techniques by Mrs. Nalini Nesa Deepam, antibiotic stewardship in pediatric oncology by Dr. Akshay Kamle, and managing chemotherapy-induced side effects such as nausea and mucositis by Ms. Meghana Pandit.

Session 2 focused on “More than Medicine: A Nurse’s Role in Safe Delivery and Supportive Oncology Care” and was compered by Dr. Subha Sooria and Dr. Binu Margaret E. Topics included common chemotherapy drugs and their uses by Dr. Lakshmi T, safe handling and administration of chemotherapy by Mrs. Hemalatha C V, premedication and pre-chemotherapy nursing checklist by Dr. Anjalin Dsouza, extravasation, sedation, and monitoring by Mrs. Reena Nair, and integrating pain management into routine nursing care by Dr. Naveen Salins. Session 3, titled “Infusion Care: Transplants, Transfusion, and Nursing Vigilance in Pediatric Hematology and Oncology”, covered nursing care in hematopoietic stem cell transplant by Mr. Bharath Kumar, principles of blood transfusion by Dr. Raj Warrier, and transfusion protocols, reactions, and hemovigilance by Dr. Deepika Chenna.

The fourth session, “Chemo Safety, Line Care, and Onco Emergency: A Hands-On Discussion”, provided practical training. Participants were divided into three groups and rotated through stations on chemotherapy preparation and spill management led by Mrs. Reena

Nair, Dr. Prakruthi S K, and Ms. Meghana Pandit; central line care and maintenance demonstrated by Dr. Nithin G Pai, Mr. Bharath Kumar, and Ms. Preethi; and oncological emergencies discussed through scenarios by Dr. Chandana Pai, Dr. Anusha K, and Dr. Lakshmi. Additionally, a research poster presentation competition was held, with eight participants showcasing innovative nursing practices. Post-test and feedback forms indicated that the workshop was highly beneficial for clinical practice.

The program concluded with remarks by Dr. Suba Sooria, Head of Nursing services, KH, Manipal and Dr. Judith Angelitta Noronha, Dean, MCON, Manipal followed by an address from Mrs. Akshatha Nayak, the KNC observer. Overall, the workshop successfully empowered pediatric hemato-oncology nurses through knowledge sharing, skill development, and compassionate care practices.