MercedesBaseyScottRN

What is an Oncology Nurse? Oncology nurses provide care and treatment for patients suffering from various cancer and hematology disorders. These treatments can take place in the inpatient setting of an oncology unit or outpatient in cancer centers, oncology clinics, and outpatient infusion suites. Oncology nurses perform patient assessments, patient education, and administer medications and treatments to patients going through cancer treatment. The oncology nurse is generally an associate or bachelor's degree-prepared nurse who has passed the NCLEX exam and become a Registered Nurse. Many oncology nurses also become certified to safely and adequately administer chemotherapy and often become certified in their specialty after they have worked several years in their career. Advantages and Disadvantages of Pursuing a Career in Oncology Being an oncology nurse can be incredibly rewarding. You have the opportunity to support patients and families going through an incredibly stressful life event. Oncology nurses are often highly respected and trusted by their patients and colleagues. As an oncology nurse, you are also one of the first to obtain information on new treatment approaches in the expanding world of oncology. An oncology career also has numerous roles available for Registered Nurses and many opportunities for growth and career development. Working in Oncology can also be very emotionally taxing. The oncology nurse needs to exhibit patience, empathy, and the ability to prioritize work/life balance and self-care. Oncology nurses are also at high risk for burnout due to the stress of caring for patients with poor prognoses. What Types of Career Advancement Opportunities are Available to the Oncology Nurse? Advanced opportunities in oncology will greatly depend on experience and education. Oncology Nurse Practitioners Oncology Nurse Practitioners work alongside Medical Doctors and Surgeons to help screen, diagnose, and treat patients with cancer. The oncology nurse practitioner must complete an advanced degree, such as a master of science in nursing, and pass the certification exam to become a certified Nurse Practitioner. The Nurse Practitioner must then pass the Advanced Oncology Nurse Practitioner exam to become an Advanced Oncology Certified Nurse Practitioner (AOCNP). Oncology Nurse Educators Oncology Nurse Educators work in multiple capacities, including helping with hospital onboarding and orientation for oncology nurses, teaching university-level curriculum regarding oncology, or working alongside pharmaceutical or medical device companies to provide education on new products. Oncology nurse educators often have obtained a master of science in nursing degree, though it is not always required. Oncology Research Nurses Oncology research nurses help coordinate clinical trials and protocols for new oncology treatments. Oncology Nurse Navigators Oncology nurse navigators are responsible for care coordination, education, and support to oncology patients navigating the complicated healthcare system. Oncology Case Managers Oncology case managers assess, identify, and connect patients with resources needed to successfully complete treatment. Becoming Oncology Certified There are also opportunities to show your oncology expertise without changing job roles or pursuing an advanced degree. There are multiple certifications available within the oncology nursing specialty, and is dependent on what type of oncology patients your workplace typically treats. Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN) Requires experience providing care for adult oncology patients such as breast or colon cancer. Certified Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Nurse (CPHON) Requires experience providing care for pediatric hematology or pediatric oncology patients, such as leukemia or other childhood cancers. Certified Breast Care Nurse (CBCN) Requires experience providing breast nursing care, often for nurses working in a breast care center. Blood and Marrow Transplant Certified Nurse (BMTCN) Requires experience providing bone marrow transplant care for patients receiving transplants for hematology cancers and disorders such as leukemia or sickle cell disease. Oncology nursing is not the best fit for every nurse. Oncology nursing requires a special type of compassion and resilience, but the advantages often outweigh the hardships, and oncology nursing can open up a world of opportunities for those interested.

Hailie, Thank you for your feedback. I originally attempted that because I've always noticed it's easier to do research when the topic is broad. It's just that PICOTs seem so specific in all that they require. I really couldnt think of ANYTHING that seemed broad. I've found a variety of articles that discuss new grad stress and lists a variety of ways to reduce it, but never any articles that specifically discuss the implementation of anything.

Hello, im currently in grad school and struggling with my PICOT question. It originally was: In new graduate nurses (P), does a smaller nurse to patient ratio (I) compared to the traditional nurse to patient ratio on assigned unit © lead to lower staff turnover rates and improved job satisfaction (O) in their first three months of practice (T)? But my instructor is encouraging me to change this since there is not a lot of research on the reduction of nurse to patient ratios. I have already done a lot of work and research so I don't want to change the question too much. So I would rather keep my population and outcome the same and just have another implementation and comparison. Most articles I have found discuss intent to leave in GNs being due to stress and feeling incompetent but I cannot think of a different implementation

I took my exam last Monday and passed. Thanks for everyones input!

Question Tarabara, Barbara Pope's reviews has questions but I'm having trouble finding the answers?

Thanks guys, great to hear no vents. What about hemodynamic monitoring? CVP, PWP, SVR, things like that?

Is anyone PCCN certified and recently taken the test? What did you use to study and what do you feel helped? I'm using the Progressive Care Nursing Certification preparation, review, and practice exam book since it's what was supplied from the AACN website but the book is so long and detailed there's no way I'll make it through the whole thing. The book comes with 2 practice tests. I've taken 1 and made a 65% but I haven't even made it past the cardiac section of the book so I guess it's safe to say I've barely studied at all. Did any one use the practice tests and how accurate were they in predicting your readiness? I kind of feel like they were a waste of time because they don't have rationales. Also, is there a lot of vent questions on the exam and questions on hemodynamic monitoring? Neither are my strong points because we don't do either on my floor Any input helps! I'm usually a great standardized test taker so I've been stalling on studying and now I'm freaking out because there's only a few weeks left and I've heard the pass rate isn't great for the exam

Deej394, Hi, I began the program in February. It definitely has it's positives and negatives. Benefits and pay is pretty good. But the hospital has been suffering from a pretty big nursing shortage which has led to a lot of recent changes in scheduling and is the reason they hire so many grad nurses every semester. I've had mixed feelings working there. I enjoy it but feel like I am not getting the opportunity to learn as much as I could be elsewhere. I work on G19- Medical oncology/Telemetry. Not trying to be a negative Nancy, but I wish someone would have gave me more insight before I made my final decision. Hope this helps!

I wouldnt really suggest relocating here until you have a position lined up unless you really have the finances and resources. Ive seen too many liscensed nursed waiting 6 months-year for a job or having to settle for a position in a nursing home or rehab facility. Obtaining interviews for positions at the larger hospitals in Houston and Dallas will be difficult with only a year and 5 months experience. At some places that's barely considered finishing a new grad program so you're still kind of a new nurse. And some of those bigger hospitals will only hire you if you have a large amount of experience if you only have your ADN. Being enrolled in a BSN program will help but not until it's actually official and starting. But I also know many smaller hospitals don't have NICUs. Have you only applied to NICU or have you also considered peds, new born nursery, medsurg? Also try smaller cities. Conroe, college station, lufkin, nacogdoches. Best of luck!

Can anyone who's started tell me what they do about BLS training? I just realized mine is expired and I start Monday and I'm surprised they haven't already asked for a copy of my card.

I just studied by myself using my hesi review book and doing any free practice questions I could find online. You'll do awesome! I heard Hurst is super good! And I considered asking just in case, but I know most ppl got the chance to pick between several start dates but when I got my offer they just assigned me the latest one. No idea why. But I'll just try to sit back and enjoy my free time that I have left, especially because I'm still trying to figure out what I'm doing for my living situation.

I've been chilling for too long smh lol. It sucks because I knocked my test out so fast and already did all my new hire stuff, but I got hired to MDA in the last batch of interviews so I don't start until February 23rd. Still got a long month to go lol..

Yeah we got our ATTs at a little before the end of December. First classmate took boards new years eve and then I had mine January 3rd, the first date available. What are you using to study?

I passed my NCLEX January 3rd! Had to go ahead and get that out of the way lol. What about you?

If you haven't been in school since 08 and went to a non US nursing school I suggest you taking a full review course (Kaplan or Hurst or other options) because since 08 lots have things have changed.