How to Become an Oncology Nurse
In a world with 9.5 million annual deaths from cancer worldwide, the demand for oncology nurses continues to rise. By 2040, new cancer cases are anticipated to hit 29.5 million per year. And it’s not just about those currently battling cancer. The growing legion of cancer survivors — expected to reach 22.2 million by 2030 — also requires dedicated attention.
Clearly, there’s a growing need for oncology nurses, emphasizing the vital role these professionals play in this life-saving field. If you are wondering how to become an oncology nurse, you’ve come to the right place. This article is your guide to understanding the ins and outs of being an oncology nurse — what they do, what they earn, and the steps to becoming one yourself.
What Is an Oncology Nurse?
An oncology nurse, also known as a cancer nurse, is a dedicated professional who provides life-saving interventions and emotional support to patients fighting cancer. These nurses play an important role in all aspects of cancer care, including diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and symptom management. They stand beside the patient, offering medical expertise and compassionate care.
Cancer is a complex and varied disease, affecting different organs and systems in the body. For this reason, there are various types of oncology nurses, each specializing in different aspects of cancer care to meet the diverse needs of patients.
Oncology specialization allows a focused approach to patient care, addressing the unique challenges associated with specific cancer types or patient populations. Determining the specialty you want to work in makes it easier to navigate the steps on how to become an oncology nurse. Here are some common specialties:
- Medical oncology nurses focus on administering chemotherapy and other medical treatments to cancer patients.
- Radiation oncology nurses specialize in radiation therapy, assisting in the delivery of targeted radiation treatments and managing associated side effects.
- Surgical oncology nurses work closely with surgical teams, providing care to patients undergoing cancer surgeries.
- Pediatric oncology nurses specialize in working with children with cancer, addressing the unique challenges associated with pediatric oncology.
- Hematology oncology nurses work with patients dealing with blood-related cancers, such as leukemia and lymphoma.
- Gynecologic oncology nurses focus on cancers of the female reproductive system, they provide care and support to patients with conditions like ovarian and cervical cancer.
- Palliative care nurses specialize in providing holistic care to patients with advanced cancer, focusing on symptom management and improving the quality of life.
What Does an Oncology Nurse Do?
The list below provides an overview of the critical tasks that oncology RNs do to support patients throughout their recovery journeys:
- Administer cancer treatments like chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and other cancer treatments as prescribed by oncologists.
- Assess patient condition and adjust care plans accordingly.
- Implement precautions to prevent infections, especially in patients with compromised immune systems, by implementing neutropenic precautions.
- Perform laboratory tests, including blood tests and other diagnostic procedures to monitor patients’ blood counts and other parameters essential for treatment.
- Manage pain and side effects of cancer treatments, such as nausea, and fatigue.
- Assist in procedures such as bone marrow biopsies, lumbar punctures, and central line care.
- Manage central venous access devices (CVADs) used for administering treatments and drawing blood.
- Educate patients about specific types of cancer, treatment options, potential side effects, and self-care measures.
- Provide emotional support to help patients cope with the emotional challenges of a cancer diagnosis.
For more insight into what duties you may be responsible for as an RN, check out this oncology nurse resume sample.
Note that other levels of nursing can also specialize in oncology. To see what the duties may look like within their scopes of practice, take a look at some open positions:
- Nurse practitioner oncology jobs
- Oncology RN jobs
- Oncology LPN jobs
- Oncology LVN jobs
- Oncology CNA jobs
- Oncology CMA jobs
- Student nurse oncology jobs
How to Become an Oncology Nurse: 4 Steps to RN
1. Get a Nursing Degree
Pursue a nursing education by enrolling in an approved nursing program. Options include obtaining an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a bachelor’s degree program (BSN).
2. Obtain Nursing Licensure
After completing the nursing program, pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to become a licensed registered nurse (RN). In many countries, including the U.S., you can’t practice as a nurse without a license.
3. Gain Clinical Experience
Work in a healthcare setting to build professional and clinical skills, preferably in areas like:
- Medical-surgical nursing
- Acute care
- Pediatric nursing
- Progressive care
- ICU nursing
- Ambulatory care
- Interventional radiology nursing
- Other relevant specialties
4. Pursue an OCN Certification
Consider obtaining certification in oncology nursing to demonstrate expertise. The Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation (ONCC) offers four different certifications for registered nurses:
- Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN)
- Certified Pediatric Hematology Oncology Nurse (CPHON)
- Certified Breast Care Nurse (CBCN)
- Blood and Marrow Transplant Certified Nurse (BMTCN)
Wondering how many years it takes to become an oncology nurse? Typically, the process of becoming an oncology RN ranges from four to seven years, depending on the educational route you select. The quickest path to becoming a nurse involves completing a two-year associate degree in nursing program, followed by gaining one to two years of clinical experience.
Pursuing a bachelor of science in nursing and earning additional certifications may lengthen the timeline but offer you wider career opportunities. If you’d like to further your oncology career, you could consider becoming an oncology nurse practitioner.
Where Can Oncology Nurses Work?
Oncology nurses can practice in diverse healthcare environments. Common workplaces for these nurses include:
- Hospitals
- Cancer treatment centers
- Outpatient clinics
- Physician offices
- Home healthcare
- Hospice care
- Research institutions
- Rehabilitation centers
- Community health organizations
- Educational institutions
- Long-term care facilities
- Government agencies
- Nonprofit organizations
- Telehealth
Your path to learning how to become an oncology nurse will differ depending on the setting you plan to work in. Certain workplaces have specific requirements in terms of experience, education, and certification, so make sure to do your research.
How Much Do Oncology Nurses Make?
In the U.S., the average oncology nurse salary is about $87,500 per year. Keep in mind that your earnings can vary a lot, depending on your education, certifications, location, skills, and the years you’ve spent in the profession.
For those with geographic flexibility, it’s worth considering nursing positions in states known for offering some of the most competitive salaries. Here are five states with some of the highest nurse salaries:
To get a better idea of what you might earn in your location, check out the latest oncology nurse jobs in your area.
Frequently Asked Questions About Oncology Nursing
We’ve helped explain how to become an oncology nurse, but you may still be curious about similar topics. Here are some answers to commonly asked questions.
Is it dangerous for oncology nurses to work with radiation?
Working with radiation in oncology settings does come with potential risks, but strict safety measures and guidelines are in place to minimize these risks and ensure the safety of healthcare workers, including doctors, nuclear med techs, and oncology nurses.
Is it dangerous for oncology nurses to work with chemotherapy agents?
Handling chemotherapy agents does pose potential risks for oncology nurses, as these drugs are designed to kill or inhibit the growth of cancer cells, and they can have toxic effects on normal cells as well. However, with proper training, adherence to safety protocols, and the use of protective measures, the risks can be significantly minimized.
What are oncology nurse pros and cons?
Before learning how to become an oncology nurse, consider the job’s pros and cons. On the positive side, this role offers the satisfaction of making a positive impact on the lives of cancer patients, providing support during their challenging journeys. However, the emotional toll of witnessing the effects of cancer, demanding workloads, and exposure to certain chemicals are potential cons.
What skills are essential for an oncology nurse?
Essential soft skills for a nurse in an oncology setting include:
Is there a demand for oncology nurses? What is the job outlook?
Employment for all registered nurses, including those specializing in oncology, is projected to grow 6% in the next decade — faster than the average growth rate across all occupations. This trend is expected to result in approximately 193,100 new RN job opportunities opening up each year.
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