What is the difference between oncology nurse and AGCNS-ONC?

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Hello, I wanted to know the different between being an oncology nurse and a AGCNS-ONC? or is it the same thing? I am planning to apply to UCSF for the MEPN and want to specialize in oncology. If I do the AGCNS-ONC, will I still be able to interact with patients? Any help would be great! thank you!!

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Specializes in Oncology.

I'm an oncology certified nurse (OCN), but I don't know any of those other initials you mentioned. Hopefully someone else will come along to help answer your question...

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hey(: Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist is what AGCNS is. I just finished reading that I can master in Nursing specialized in Oncology Clinical Nurse specialist. I wanted to have more detail about this job. But thank you for your help!!:)

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Specializes in Pedi.

When I worked in the hospital, our clinical nurse specialist was basically the clinical expert who was more or less a resource for the nurses. She didn't do direct patient care. When my manager got her masters, she went the clinical nurse specialist route but continued working as a manager.

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Specializes in nursing education.

The oncology CNS would be the advanced practice nurse version of the OCN. CNS's have varying amounts of patient contact- it depends on the facility, the individual, the position. An oncology CNS might work entirely outpatient- but could be one on one or even population focused. Might be hired for a prescribing position or not. Have you looked at the three spheres of influence of CNS practice? Try posting in the APRN forum under CNS subforum.

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Specializes in nursing education.

Also find out what exams you will be able to sit for. The advanced oncology rn exam

Advanced Practice

And the adult-gero CNS exam

Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist

I would want to be able to sit for both.

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