Advice please on becoming an oncology nurse

[WildflowerFairy]

Hi! I could use some advice on becoming an oncology nurse!

I currently have been a nurse 2 years and have worked in LTC/hospice. I also have a number of years lab experience in a previous degree. I have started ONS courses that I can (teaches the basics for nurses that aren't in direct oncology care) and will be done with them at end of this month.

What would you recommend for maximizing my chances at being hired in an oncology unit? What are my chances (in your opinion) currently?

 

Thanks! ?‍⚕️

[DowntheRiver]

Do you have great/excellent IV skills? Oncology patients have notoriously hard veins. If so, highlight that on your resume. Do you have any infusion experience? Blood transfusions, antibiotics, etc? Again, highlight on your resume. Do you have central line experience? Highlight it on your resume.

Where I work, we feed from the local big cancer center, so usually they hire those employees first since they have the experience. They'll pull those resumes and call those nurses first Is this the case where you live?

Most places want that 2 year experience so you're good to go in that area.

Are the jobs you are applying for part time or full time? Right now we're having a heck of a time hiring somebody to work 5 days a week (no weekends). Are you looking for just infusion or hospital jobs?