Career Spotlight: Oncology Nursing
Are you considering a career change within nursing? Consider becoming an Oncology Nurse. The field of Oncology Nursing can be demanding emotionally and physically, but it can also be extremely rewarding. If you’re looking for a patient-oriented career, Oncology Nursing may be for you.
What is an Oncology Nurse?
An Oncology Nurse is a nurse that provides care to patients with cancer as well as patients at risk of getting cancer.
According to NCBI, “oncology nurses practice in a variety of settings including acute care hospitals, ambulatory care clinics, private oncologists’ offices, radiation therapy facilities, home healthcare agencies, and community agencies. They practice in association with a number of oncologic disciplines, including surgical oncology, radiation oncology, gynecologic oncology, pediatric oncology, and medical oncology.”1
How do you become an Oncology Nurse?
An Oncology Nurse is required to have a degree in nursing. This can either be an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
Once you have your degree, you must get your Oncology Nurse Certification through the Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation.2
How much do Oncology Nurses make?
The average yearly salary for an Oncology Nurse is $64,675.3
This of course is dependent upon the type of degree you have, where you are working and multiple other factors.
What does a normal day look like for an Oncology Nurse?
Oncology nurses play multiple different roles while working, so each day looks different from day to day depending on their patients. NCBI lists the key tasks Oncology Nurses do while on the job:
- Patient assessment
- Patient education
- Coordination of care
- Direct patient care
- Symptom management
- Supportive care1
A vast majority of these nurses’ work is patient-oriented. These nurses put a heavy emphasis on patient assessment and patient care.
Is Oncology Nursing the right choice for me?
According to Discover Nursing, if you like a structured job that patient-facing and research-oriented, oncology nursing might be the career for you.2
It takes a special type of nurse to go into oncology. These nurses understand the challenges associated with cancer and have an immense amount of empathy and compassion for their patients.
The Cancer Treatment Centers of America says “when nurses choose to work in an oncology setting, they understand there will be challenges, and they do it anyway. They make sacrifices for their patients every day. During a time when you need help the most, it’s a nurse who will right by your side.”4
While it may be emotionally and physically demanding at times, Oncology Nursing is truly a career for those full of compassion and kindness. This may be the career path for you if you’re looking for a rewarding profession.
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