Oncology Nurse Career Guide

Looking for a different career guide?

Overview

An Oncology Registered Nurse (RN) plays a vital role in the care and support of cancer patients. They specialize in providing comprehensive nursing care to individuals diagnosed with cancer and work closely with healthcare teams to deliver optimal treatment and support.

Essential Job Functions of an Oncology RN:

  • Performing cancer assessments and collaborating with healthcare professionals to develop individualized care

Education

To become an Oncology RN, individuals must complete specific educational requirements in the field of nursing. These requirements include:

  • Nursing Program: Aspiring oncology RNs must successfully complete a nursing program. There are multiple pathways to becoming an RN, including diploma programs, associate degree in nursing (ADN) programs, or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs.

  • Diploma Programs: These

A stethoscope held in one hand

Related certifications

After completing the necessary education, several qualifications and experience requirements must be met before applying for a job as an Oncology RN. These include:

  • Licensure: Graduates must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to obtain their RN license. Licensure requirements may vary by state.

  • RN License: Aspiring oncology nurses must possess an active and unrestricted RN

State licenses process and requirements

All 50 states require state licensure to become a professional nurse. Review the step-by-step process to obtain or renew your RN license in each one.
Select
A stethoscope held in one hand

Skills

To excel as a Staff or Travel Oncology RN, a range of knowledge, hard and soft skills, and abilities are necessary. The main required competencies include:

  • In-depth knowledge of cancer pathophysiology, treatments, and supportive care interventions.

  • Strong clinical assessment and critical thinking skills to monitor and manage patients' physical and emotional well-being.

  • Excellent communication skills to establish rapport with patients, empathize

Thousands of
healthcare jobs in
your pocket.

4.8

13.6k Ratings

4.4

1.5k Ratings

Responsibilities

The responsibilities specifically associated with being an Oncology Registered Nurse include:

  • Assessing patients' physical and emotional health, including cancer symptoms, treatment side effects, and psychosocial factors.

  • Developing and implementing individualized care plans, coordinating treatments, and monitoring patient progress.

  • Administering chemotherapy and other cancer treatments while closely monitoring patients for any adverse reactions.

  • Providing education to patients and their families regarding cancer treatments, symptom management,

Salary Insights

Compare your pay with the most up-to-date job market data using our comprehensive salary calculator.
Oncology Nurse
$1,785-2,795/week

The average salary for a Oncology Nurse is $2,258.43 per week.

Last updated on December 3, 2024. Based on active jobs on Vivian.com.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

Working as an oncology nurse provides the opportunity to make a positive impact on patients' lives by offering specialized care and support throughout their cancer journey. It offers avenues for professional growth and development through continuous learning and advancements in cancer care. Collaboration with interdisciplinary teams, including oncologists, surgeons, social workers, and palliative care specialists, allows for comprehensive and holistic

Was this page helpful?

Oncology Nurse Jobs


View job details for Travel Nurse RN - Oncology
Travel Contract

Travel Nurse RN - Oncology

  • Wolfeboro, NH
  • OneStaff Medical
  • 5x8 hrs, Days
  • Referral Bonus

$4,202/week

View job details for Travel Nurse RN - Oncology
Travel Contract

Travel Nurse RN - Oncology

  • Cleveland, OH
  • Vastek Group
  • 4x12 hrs, Days, Nights, Flexible

$4,000/week

Posted 7 days ago
View job details for Travel Nurse RN - Oncology
Travel Contract

Travel Nurse RN - Oncology

  • York, ME
  • ADN Healthcare
  • 5x8 hrs, Days
  • Referral Bonus

$3,816/week

Posted 7 days ago
View job details for Travel Nurse RN - Oncology
Travel Contract

Travel Nurse RN - Oncology

  • Great Falls, MT
  • NuWest Travel Nursing
  • 4x12 hrs, Days

$3,814/week

Posted Today

Get alerts about new jobs

Be the first to know about new jobs for Oncology Nurses.

Some of the content on this page was enhanced using artificial intelligence.

Join over 1 million healthcare workers that are getting a head start with Vivian.

Join Vivian
A group of healthcare professionals.