How to Become an Oncology Nurse
Are you looking to become an oncology nurse? Learn more about how to enter this in-demand and fulfilling career.
Oncology nursing is a challenging yet fulfilling and well-paid career with many opportunities for professional growth. When you learn how to become an oncology nurse, you'll play an instrumental role in caring for people of all ages who are diagnosed with cancer. As an oncology nurse, you'll not only provide patients with complex medical care, but you'll also offer psychosocial support and education to their families and loved ones.
An estimated 1.9 million new cancer cases are expected to be diagnosed in the US in 2022. Given the landscape of cancer care, the need for oncology nurses shows no signs of stopping. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which includes nursing oncology as a registered nurse's specialization, projects a job growth of 9% over the next 10 years.
What is Oncology Nursing?
Oncology nursing is a specialization that aims to decrease cancer risks, incidence, and discomfort by supporting healthy lifestyles, promoting early detection, and helping to manage cancer symptoms and side effects. If you're interested in a career as an oncologist nurse, there are many areas of oncology you can choose to specialize in, such as:
- hematology
- breast oncology
- bone marrow transplantation
- chemotherapy/infusion
- genetic counseling
- gynecologic oncology
What Does an Oncology Nurse Do?
An oncology nurse practitioner is a registered nurse (RN) who has earned a nursing degree. As an oncology RN, you'll work in a multi-disciplinary team of healthcare professionals, including physicians, oncologists, surgeons, and nursing assistants, to assist cancer patients with treatment.
You'll have the opportunity to work in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, physicians' offices, hospice and cancer centers, residential care facilities, and clinics, depending on your specialty. Your responsibilities will vary depending on your specific area of practice. However, typical daily duties could include:
- developing and implementing care plans
- taking patients' vital signs
- administering medications
- caring for patients after surgical procedures
- performing assessments on cancer patients
- educating patients and families
- supporting patients during radiation
How to Become an Oncology Nurse
To work as an oncology nurse practitioner, you'll have to fully commit to your professional education to retain your license. There are several steps involved that include a combination of education, training, and certification.
1. Obtain a Nursing Degree
To learn how to become an oncology nurse, you'll first need to study to become a registered nurse. You can attend nursing school and earn either an Associate degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN.)
2. Take the Nursing Exam
To become a licensed nurse, you'll have to pass the NCLEX-RN exam offered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing. Once you pass the exam, you can apply for a nursing license in the state you wish to work.
3. Gain Experience as an Oncology Nurse
Once you receive your RN license, you can begin your career by searching for an entry-level position in a healthcare setting. As a new graduate nurse, you may have to complete an internship program that involves working alongside a nurse instructor to gain hands-on experience.
4. Earn a Certification
Although not always mandatory, many employers prefer or may require an oncology nursing certification for specific positions. Certification can enhance your credibility and increase your value as a job applicant as it demonstrates that you've mastered a broad range of oncology knowledge.
To become a certified oncology nurse, you must meet the eligibility criteria that will vary depending on the specific certification you choose to earn. Most certifications require at least two years of nursing experience and 2,000 hours of nursing oncology practice within the previous four years. You'll need to renew your certification every four years by taking continuing education classes.
How Much Do Oncology Nurses Make?
The median salary for an oncology registered nurse is $75,760 per year, with a salary range of $50,642 to $112,289. However, your oncology nurse salary will vary depending on your education, experience, and location in which you work. You can use Monster's Salary Tool to find out what you can earn in your location and the skills you'll need to boost your value as an applicant.
How To Find Oncology Nurse Jobs
Are you now confident about how to become an oncology nurse? You can start applying today for nurse practitioner jobs on Monster. First, you'll need to ensure that your nurse practitioner resume is updated and ready to send out. Remember to also customize your cover letter for each job application.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the top five states to find RN jobs, including positions for oncology nurses, are:
The top five areas for RN and oncologist nursing jobs are:
Ready to Start a Rewarding Career as a Nurse Oncologist?
Now that you know how to become an oncology nurse, you’re ready to take the next step in your rewarding career journey. Speed up your job search with Monster by creating your free profile today. You'll be able to upload your resume and have recruiters find you online faster. We'll also send you personalized job alerts to match you with your ideal employer in your field.