Oncology NP vs. RN

[SamanthaLu]

Question: What are the roles and responsibilities of an NP specializing in oncology...how are they different from those of an RN?

[leslie :-D]

Question: What are the roles and responsibilities of an NP specializing in oncology...how are they different from those of an RN?

most importantly, the np can prescribe all needed meds and other orders for the pt.

an rn does not have prescriptive authorities.

leslie

[SamanthaLu]

Thanks for the reply . I guess my next question would be, where do oncology NPs typically work? I used to volunteer on an oncology floor in a hospital and I was never aware of there being any NPs there.

[leslie :-D]

i know of many hospitals in my area (boston) that do utilize nps in every specialty. you need to find mds that employ nps, then find out where these mds have their admitting privileges.

a call into human resources of any hospital should give you the direction you seek.

peace,

leslie

[ReinventingMyselfAgain, MSN, RN]

Thanks for the reply . I guess my next question would be, where do oncology NPs typically work? I used to volunteer on an oncology floor in a hospital and I was never aware of there being any NPs there.

One of the places I work at uses a lot of NPs, and they function basically as residents or fellows. The nurses call them with all abnormal findings, they write the orders, examine the pts, administer any chemo that the nurses don't do (IV push).

The other place I work at has no NPs.