An oncology nurse provides valuable services to cancer patients and their families, including screening for cancer, assisting with treatment, counseling patients and families, providing education to the public, and promoting early detection. They may work in hospitals, cancer centers, home care industries, and research institutions. Education and continuing education are required to become and remain an oncology nurse.
An oncology nurse is a registered health professional who provides many valuable services to cancer patients and their families. He or she may be responsible for screening for cancer, assisting doctors with treatment sessions, discussing care options with patients, advising friends and family, or providing educational information to the public. Most oncology nurses work in general hospitals, inpatient and outpatient cancer centers, home care industries, and cancer research institutions.
Nurses often participate in cancer detection and treatment sessions. An oncology nurse can prepare a patient for chemotherapy or radiation treatment and observe sessions to ensure their safety. He or she provides direct care to patients after treatment sessions, monitoring their health and helping to alleviate pain. Nurses can check vital signs, administer medications, and assist patients with common tasks such as eating and bathing.
Cancer survivors often struggle to establish appropriate long-term treatment approaches and life situations. An oncology nurse counsels a patient and family members to explain options and goals for the future. The nurse frequently consults with physicians to coordinate ongoing screenings and treatment sessions to aid the patient’s recovery. He or she provides encouragement and resources to help survivors re-establish independent and meaningful lifestyles.
The work of an oncology nurse may involve providing education about cancer prevention and treatment to other medical professionals and the general public. A nurse may speak at public seminars or visit communities and schools to educate people about the risks, warning signs and symptoms of cancer. Oncology nurses promote the importance of early detection in cancer patients so they can receive the best possible care.
To become an oncology nurse, it is usually necessary for a person to complete a three-year program offered by hospitals or an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in nursing from an accredited college. All educational routes require a person to complete additional training at a hospital or emergency care facility before becoming licensed as a registered nurse. Oncology nurses in the United States can become certified in their field by taking an exam administered by the Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation. Most other countries offer certification through similar private or government agencies.
Continuing education for established oncology nurses is essential to ensure they are up to date on cancer research, counseling methods and medical technology. Many hospitals offer regular continuing education courses for their nursing staff. Many oncology nurses choose to pursue a master’s degree in nursing to advance their careers. In addition, some nurses hold doctorates to become physicians or oncology surgeons.
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