Cardio-Oncology Nursing Education (CONE): an innovative educational program for nurses caring for patients with cancer and concurrent cardiovascular disease

Background Cardio-oncology addresses the cardiovascular health of patients with cancer, an area of growing importance as cancer survival rates improve. Nurses play a central role in monitoring, educating, and coordinating care, yet a structured, standardized, competency-based education is lacking. This article describes the development, structure, and implementation of the Cardio-Oncology Nursing Education (CONE) program, a global educational initiative designed to equip nurses with specialized knowledge and skills to manage cardiovascular complications in patients with cancer. Methods The CONE curriculum was developed by an international, multidisciplinary committee, informed by a global nursing learning-needs assessment. It comprises 27 virtual modules, providing 18.25 nursing contact hours, including 10.25 pharmacotherapeutics credits accredited by the American Nurses Credentialing Center, aligned with contemporary evidence-based guidelines. Modules cover cardiovascular risk assessment, therapy-related toxicity, survivorship, and multidisciplinary care coordination. Conclusions The CONE program provides a standardized, evidence-based framework for cardio-oncology nursing education, promoting nurse-led, patient-centered care and improving outcomes for cancer survivors. The asynchronous, flexible curriculum addresses global accessibility barriers and supports learner-directed professional development. Future directions include hybrid learning, simulation-based education, and competency-based certification to formalize nursing roles globally.