Oncology Nurse

Oncology nurses must be BCLS certified.  In addition, the ONS offers many online courses you can take to gain skills in understanding cancer pathophysiology and giving chemotherapy.

You can apply to be an Oncology Certified Nurse (ONC) after working full time for two years, obtaining over 2,000 hours of oncology nursing practice within the last four years in either clinical practice, nursing administration, education, research or consultation, and ten contact hours of oncology nursing education within the previous three years.  There are several other certifications you can obtain depending on the direction of your oncology career. 

You can also get your MSN or doctoral degree with a focus in oncology and become an Oncology Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) or an Oncology Nurse Practitioner (ONP). With experience, you can become certified as an Advanced Oncology Certified Nurse Practitioner (AOCNP).

• 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
  

Cancers treated by

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

1. Complete an ADN or BSN program in nursing
2. Pass the NCLEX-RN exam and apply for your RN license
3. Apply to work on an oncology unit or outpatient clinic
4. Immerse yourself in courses to get up to speed in oncology treatments
5. Become Oncology certified after gaining experience and meeting prerequisites
   

Oncology Nursing Society (ONS)

• Mission: “To advance excellence in oncology nursing and quality cancer care.”
• Cost: Free-$135, annually, depending on your membership type and current professional status.
• Perks: Receive up to $120 discount on ONCC Certifications, free and discounted access to On-Demand NCPD courses, various volunteer and leadership opportunities, and development of student nurses through the free membership. 

Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association 

• Mission: “To Advance Expert Care in Serious Illness.”
• Cost: $55-115, annually, depending on membership type.
• Perks: Members receive benefits including discounts, networking opportunities, and up-to-date legislative information. 

Academy of Oncology Nurse and Patient Navigators (AONN) 

• Mission: “The vision of the Academy of Oncology Nurse and Patient Navigators (AONN+) is to achieve, through effective navigation, patient-centered superior quality cancer care coordination from pre-diagnosis through survivorship/end of life.”
• Cost: $125, annually.
• Perks: There are a variety of member benefits—from certifications, networking and events, and more—that can be explored here.