Radiation Oncology Nursing?

[jyan, BSN, RN]

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Hi,

Could someone explain to me the role of a radiation oncology nurse?  Is it mostly education and coordination of treatment or is there a clinical side to it as well?  Do you need certain clinical skills?  I've been working in nursing for 11 years now - Med/Surg, LTC, Clinic settings, but interested in finding more about this side of nursing.  Would appreciate any insight.  Thank you!

Jessica

[corgimom9]

I worked in Radiation oncology for 2 years. In my facility it was mostly education and treatment coordination. However depending on the oncologist there could be some port access and IV starts for planning CT with contrast.  Also there tends to be alot of skin assessment due to the effect of radiation on the skin.  There is a fair amount of discussion about sexuality due to the effects of radiation in the area of the pelvis.   I found it to be a rather satisfying nursing role due to being able to get to know your patients usually over several weeks.   Also I should mention you work very closely with usually very knowledgable professionals called Radiation Therapists.  

[KoffeyRN]

I know this is an old thread but I am a radiation oncology nurse. It all depends on what cancer dx you are working with. I work with Breast cancer, gyn, lung and esophagus. I do the most skills with my endometrial and cervical cancer patients. We do procedures such as lady partsl cylinders and tandem & ring. This is considered Brachytherapy. The patients having tandem & ring are done under anesthesia the entire time which is about 3 hours. I get the patient ready starting IV access, giving pre procedure meds and then when the patient is asleep I place a foley catheter. I assist with positioning and am with the patient the entire time through post op recovery. I actually use many of my skills in this position. You really get to know your patients in radiation oncology. It is a very satisfying job.