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Oncology Nurse

Oncology Nurse

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What is a Oncology Nurse

Oncology nurses have the challenging role of providing hope and showing confidence to those diagnosed with cancer. They require a solid steadiness to support their patients and meet their emotional needs while delivering treatments that may be difficult to tolerate. Oncology nurses share in their patient’s joy when they reach the stage of being cancer-free and are there to hold them when the news is grim and less optimistic.  

Oncology nurses not only care for their patients but provide support for the entire family. Everyone connected to the patient will be fearful, concerned about survival, and want a treatment that could lead to a cure. Using compassionate communication is crucial as patients may not be equipped to ask or understand all that is happening to them. Oncology nurses must educate patients on their diagnosis, how they should manage the side effects of medications, and build trust when patients feel vulnerable. 

Cancer care knowledge and treatments have evolved over the years, so the wealth of information requires oncology nurses to stay on top of their specific cancer specialty area. In addition, they are their patient’s advocate and must explain and guide them through the available treatment choices.  

Oncology nurses often receive advanced training to improve their skills. Some become advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) either as oncology nurse practitioners (ONPs) or oncology clinical nurse specialists (OCNSs).  

What does a Oncology Nurse Do?

Oncology nurses perform some of the same activities as other nurses but focus mainly on cancer treatment delivery.

General activities may include:

  • Taking patient histories and doing physical exams
  • Infusing chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and administering blood products
  • Monitoring vital signs
  • Tracking lab work (blood counts) and watching for chemotherapy side effects
  • Providing patient education and support to families
  • Supporting patients receiving radiation therapy
  • Coordinating and alerting the oncology team to any significant changes that need attention
Oncology Nurse

What skills does a Oncology Nurse need?

Oncology nurses often administer chemotherapy IV treatments to patients, so they need expert IV skills. They must have a thorough knowledge of the doses, actions, and side effects of the drugs they infuse. Often, medications are given through central venous access devices, which they must know how to maintain and troubleshoot.  

Oncology nurses handle chemotherapy and are exposed to radiation substances, so they must learn safety precautions to protect themselves and others. In addition, they need scrupulous infection control techniques since their patients are often immunosuppressed. 

Oncology nurses must also have skills in grief and counseling techniques to assist their seriously ill patients and their families.

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What skills does a Oncology Nurse need?

Oncology nurses often administer chemotherapy IV treatments to patients, so they need expert IV skills. They must have a thorough knowledge of the doses, actions, and side effects of the drugs they infuse. Often, medications are given through central venous access devices, which they must know how to maintain and troubleshoot.  

Oncology nurses handle chemotherapy and are exposed to radiation substances, so they must learn safety precautions to protect themselves and others. In addition, they need scrupulous infection control techniques since their patients are often immunosuppressed. 

Oncology nurses must also have skills in grief and counseling techniques to assist their seriously ill patients and their families.

Learn More About
Oncology Nurses

Work settings for Oncology Nurses

Oncology nurses work in hospitals, outpatient clinics, home care, hospice/palliative care, and doctor’s offices.

Common Cases Oncology Nurses Encounter

Oncology nurses care for cancer patients treated with:

  • Surgery
  • Chemotherapy
  • Radiation Therapy
  • Targeted Therapy
  • Immunotherapy
  • Stem Cell or Bone Marrow Transplant
  • Hormone Therapy


How to Become A Oncology Nurse

  1. Complete an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree: takes two-to-four years based on the program 
  2. Pass the NCLEX-RN exam and apply for your RN license after graduation
  3. Apply as a new grad on an oncology unit or outpatient clinic
  4. Become an Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN) after meeting the prerequisites and gaining work experience.

How to Advance Your Career As A Oncology Nurse

You can advance your career by getting an MSN or doctoral degree with an oncology focus. 

Alternatively, you can become an Oncology Nurse Practitioner (ONP). With experience, you can become certified as an Advanced Oncology Certified Nurse Practitioner (AOCNP) or become an Oncology Clinical Nurse Specialist (OCNS) and work as an educator or manager.

Education Requirements & Helpful Certification

Oncology nurses must be BCLS certified, and it is highly encouraged that they become certified after gaining experience. There are also online oncology classes

or one can focus on special areas such as gynecology or immunotherapy. 

The Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation offers eight different certifying exams (three are for renewal only, and two are for advanced practice nurses.)

The exam areas include pediatrics, hematology, bone marrow, and breast care. 

 Most exams require:

  1. An active registered nurse license in the U.S. or Canada
  2. A minimum of two years (24 months) experience as an RN within the last 48 months.
  3. A minimum of 2,000 hours in oncology within the last 48 months.
  4. A minimum of 10 continuing education hours or an elective oncology course within the last 36 months.

Average Salary For Oncology Nurses

Oncology nurses typically make between $71,100 - $88,900, with a median salary of $79,600, according to Salary.com.

The May 2021 Bureau of Labor and Statistics report shows which states have the highest and lowest wages for nurses. They do not list by nurse specialty, but oncology nurse salaries would likely follow suit. The highest-paid states are California, Hawaii, and Oregon. The lowest-paid states are South Dakota, Alabama, and Mississippi.

Specialty Organizations & Communities

Oncology Nursing Society (ONS)

Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association

Academy of Oncology Nurse and Patient Navigators (AONN)

Ideal Personality Traits

  • Compassionate, empathetic, and a good listener
  • Strong patient advocate
  • Calm demeanor
  • Sharp assessment skills
  • Interest in research, oncology, and pharmacology
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Oncology Nurse

Oncology nurses have the challenging role of delivering care to cancer patients of all ages. They coordinate and assist patients and their families through the difficulties and fears of a range of cancer types and treatments. Oncology nurses deliver crucial chemotherapy medications, monitor for side effects, educate and anticipate patients’ needs or questions, and act as steadfast anchors throughout the patient’s illness. They advocate for their patients as dedicated members of the oncology team.

nurse with mask on

Education Requirements

Oncology nurses must be BCLS certified, and it is highly encouraged that they become certified after gaining experience. There are also online oncology classes

or one can focus on special areas such as gynecology or immunotherapy. 

The Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation offers eight different certifying exams (three are for renewal only, and two are for advanced practice nurses.)

The exam areas include pediatrics, hematology, bone marrow, and breast care. 

 Most exams require:

  1. An active registered nurse license in the U.S. or Canada
  2. A minimum of two years (24 months) experience as an RN within the last 48 months.
  3. A minimum of 2,000 hours in oncology within the last 48 months.
  4. A minimum of 10 continuing education hours or an elective oncology course within the last 36 months.

How to advance/career pathway

You can advance your career by getting an MSN or doctoral degree with an oncology focus. 

Alternatively, you can become an Oncology Nurse Practitioner (ONP). With experience, you can become certified as an Advanced Oncology Certified Nurse Practitioner (AOCNP) or become an Oncology Clinical Nurse Specialist (OCNS) and work as an educator or manager.

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Infuse chemotherapy, immunotherapy and administer blood products
  • Monitor lab work (blood counts) and watch for chemotherapy side effects
  • Provide patient education and support to families
  • Coordinate and collaborate with the oncology team

MOST COMMON CASES

Oncology nurses care for cancer patients treated with:

  • Surgery
  • Chemotherapy
  • Radiation Therapy
  • Targeted Therapy
  • Immunotherapy
  • Stem Cell or Bone Marrow Transplant
  • Hormone Therapy


How to become a

Oncology Nurse

  1. Complete an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree: takes two-to-four years based on the program 
  2. Pass the NCLEX-RN exam and apply for your RN license after graduation
  3. Apply as a new grad on an oncology unit or outpatient clinic
  4. Become an Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN) after meeting the prerequisites and gaining work experience.

Specialty Groups and Communities

Oncology Nursing Society (ONS)

Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association

Academy of Oncology Nurse and Patient Navigators (AONN)

The Pros

  • Teach patients about cancer and blood conditions
  • Form close bonds with patients and their families
  • Can work in both inpatient and outpatient settings
  • Always learning new cancer treatments and therapies

The Cons

  • Stressful to work with terminally ill patients
  • Can be emotionally draining
  • Exposure to radiation and toxic substances
smily face illustration

Personality Traits

  • Compassionate, empathetic, and a good listener
  • Strong patient advocate
  • Calm demeanor
  • Sharp assessment skills
  • Interest in research, oncology, and pharmacology
piggy bank illustration

Average Salary

Oncology nurses typically make between $71,100 - $88,900, with a median salary of $79,600, according to Salary.com.

The May 2021 Bureau of Labor and Statistics report shows which states have the highest and lowest wages for nurses. They do not list by nurse specialty, but oncology nurse salaries would likely follow suit. The highest-paid states are California, Hawaii, and Oregon. The lowest-paid states are South Dakota, Alabama, and Mississippi.

book illustration

Certifications

Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation (ONCC)

  • Oncology Certified Nurse (ONC)
  • Certified Pediatric Hematology Oncology Nurse (CPHON)
  • Certified Breast Care Nurse (CBCN)
  • Blood and Marrow Transplant Certified Nurse (BMTCN)
  • Advanced Oncology Certified Nurse Practitioner (AOCNP)

Specific other ONCC certifications are only available for renewal.

location pin illustration

Work Setting

Oncology nurses work in hospitals, outpatient clinics, home care, hospice/palliative care, and doctor’s offices.

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