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What does an Oncology Nurse do?

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Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Published 3 min read

An oncology nurse is a type of registered nurse who specializes in the care of cancer patients. Oncology nurses work with patients to provide education and support, as well as coordinate care with other members of the healthcare team. They may also provide guidance to patients and families dealing with a cancer diagnosis.

Oncology Nurse job duties include:

  • Providing direct patient care
  • Administering chemotherapy and other treatments
  • Educating patients and families about cancer and treatment options
  • Coordinating care with other members of the healthcare team
  • Monitoring patients for side effects and complications
  • Providing emotional support to patients and families
  • Assisting with cancer research studies
  • Advocating for patients' rights and needs
  • Coordinating end-of-life care

Oncology Nurse Job Requirements

An oncology nurse is a registered nurse who has specialized training in caring for cancer patients. They must have a minimum of a bachelor's degree in nursing, although many oncology nurses have a master's degree. They must also be certified in oncology nursing by the Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation. Oncology nurses typically have several years of experience working in a hospital setting before becoming an oncology nurse.

Oncology Nurse Skills

  • Cancer
  • Chemotherapy
  • Radiation
  • Biology
  • Anatomy
  • Physiology
  • Pharmacology
  • Medical Terminology
  • Patient Education
  • Emotional Support
  • Advocacy

Related: Top Oncology Nurse Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become an Oncology Nurse

An Oncology Nurse is a registered nurse who specializes in the care of cancer patients. They work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and private practices. Oncology Nurses must be able to provide emotional support to patients and their families, as well as educate them about their disease and treatment options.

To become an Oncology Nurse, one must first obtain a nursing degree from an accredited institution. Once you have your degree, you must then pass the NCLEX-RN exam to obtain your nursing license. After that, you can pursue a specialty certification in oncology nursing through the ONCC (Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation).

Related: Oncology Nurse Resume Example

Related: Oncology Nurse Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

Editorial staff

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Editor

Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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