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).
Oncology nurses perform some of the same activities as other nurses but focus mainly on cancer treatment delivery.
General activities may include:
Oncology nurses work in hospitals, outpatient clinics, home care, hospice/palliative care, and doctor’s offices.
Oncology nurses care for cancer patients treated with:
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.
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:
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.
