Bone sarcoma is a malignant tumour that develops in the bone. The Helsinki University Hospital (HUS) is responsible for the treatment of a large part of this patient group nationwide. The development project was carried out in the Bone Tumour Unit of the HUS Department of Orthopaedic and Plastic Surgery. The aim of the development project was to improve the independent reception activities of the Nurse Practitioner (NP) in the Bone Tumour Unit. The aim of the development project was to develop the job description that supports and clarifies the tasks and responsibilities in the care of patients with bone sarcoma.

The development project involved a descriptive literature review and the use of benchmarking and expert panel development methods. The benchmarking data was analysed using content analysis. The development project created a model of a NP task model for the care of patients with bone sarcoma in the Department of Orthopaedic and Plastic Surgery. The task description model was evaluated by a panel of experts.

The expertise of the job description and role of a nurse specialising in the care of patients with bone sarcoma was perceived as important in the target units. There was a wide range of tasks. The work was responsible and required a wide range of skills. The evaluation of the expert panel highlighted the importance of the job description, competence, and job role in the care of the patient group and in the functioning of the target unit. The task model can be used in the work of the NP, in the organisation and nationally to develop and promote patient care. The conclusion is that the job description, competence and role of the NP in the complex care of patients with bone sarcoma is useful and necessary.