 An oncology nurse comforts
a cancer patient. Oncology nurses provide and supervise care for cancer patients who are either chronically or critically ill. Oncology nurse practitioners monitor their patients' physical conditions, prescribe medication and formulate symptom management strategies. These caring individuals often witness suffering and death, but many thrive on the deep, ongoing relationships they develop with patients. Learn more about oncology nursing by reading the information below.  Oncology Nurse Career Overview Most oncology nurses work in hospitals, including specialty hospitals. Others work in medical offices, ambulatory care centers or provide home health care. Because cancer can happen to virtually anyone, oncology nurses work with children and adults of all ages. Oncology nurses work as part of a team with other cancer care providers and support staff. Their daily activities include the following tasks: - Caring for patients diagnosed with cancer
- Offering education and support to patients' families
- Administering chemotherapy
- Managing chemotherapy side effects
- Assessing ongoing needs and educational deficits
Oncology nurse practitioners are advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who have master's degrees. With their additional knowledge and qualifications, these nurses can work in many roles, including direct caregiver, coordinator, consultant, educator, researcher and administrator. Oncology nurse practitioners provide, guide and evaluate nursing care for individuals with cancer, as well as for their families and communities. Some oncology nurses specialize in working with children who are suffering from cancer. They may become certified as pediatric oncology nurses. Other oncology nurses choose to focus on specific types of cancers, specific treatments such as bone marrow transplants, or palliative care for people with terminal cancer. Oncology Nurse Education Oncology nurses must be registered nurses (RNs). Although you will be best served by eventually earning a 4-year Bachelor's of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, you may choose to start your career with a 2-year associate's degree or 2- to 3-year diploma. In order to become an oncology nurse specialist, you will need to learn specific cancer care skills through coursework, clinical practice or continuing education. After gaining enough knowledge and on-the-job experience, you can take an exam to become an Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN). To become an oncology nurse practitioner, you will also need to complete a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree, typically obtained through a 2-year program of graduate study. You can then seek recognition through your state board of nursing as an advanced practice nurse (APN). As an oncology nurse practitioner, you will need at least 500 hours of supervised clinical practice in oncology (accrued either during or after completion of the master's program) to be eligible to take the certification examination to become an Advanced Oncology Certified Nurse Practitioner (AOCNP). Certification for oncology nurses and oncology nurse practitioners is available from the Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation. Certified nurses earn significantly more than those without such credentials. Certification is required in many states and recommended in the others. Oncology Nurse Salary According to PayScale.com, certified oncology nurses at the RN level earn a median salary of about $62,000. Certified oncology nurse practitioners earn a median salary of more than $79,000. As with any nursing specialty, your income will vary depending on your training, certifications, location and years of experience. Oncology Nurse Career Outlook As with all nursing careers, the demand for oncology nurses is expected to increase significantly over the next ten years (see information about the current nursing shortage). This is especially true because the vast majority of cancers are diagnosed in people over 55, making oncology nurses critically necessary as the baby boomer generation ages. Sources:
Nurses for a Healthier Tomorrow, 2009.
Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation, 2009. Nursing Spectrum, 2004. |
Oncology Nurse
Career at a Glance Competitive Salaries According to Payscale.com, oncology nurses are one of the highest paid nursing positions with a median salary of more than $79,000. As with any specialty, your income will vary depending on your training, certifications, location and years of experience. A Rewarding Profession Oncology nurses often witness suffering and death, but many thrive on the deep, ongoing relationships they develop with patients and their patients' family. Spotlight School
Columbia University School of Nursing is part of one of the world's most renowned medical centers. The CU School of Nursing is internationally known and clinically unrivaled, and with recognition for excellence in research and curricular advancements, the school is an excellent choice for oncology nursing school. Columbia University offers a Master of Science (MSN) degree program with a concentration in oncology nursing to help you get the best preparation possible to become an oncology nurse. How to Pay for Nursing School - As nursing school tuition has increased, a rising number of nursing scholarships and grants have become available for qualifying candidates. Nursing school is expensive, but there are many grants, loans, scholarships, work-study and loan forgiveness programs available to hard-working students. Gain access to financial first aid for nursing school.
How to Get Nursing Scholarships - Many scholarship and grant opportunities are available to nursing students to encourage people to enter the nursing field and help alleviate the increasing nursing shortages. With a little research, you can learn how to obtain this free money for your nursing school education. Learn how to uncover these funding sources to help free you from financial worries.
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