How to Become an Oncology Nurse

Cancer is a frightening diagnosis, with patients and their loved ones in need of education, support and positivity. Taking on these situations with grace while providing care is the domain of oncology nursing. These nurses have extensive knowledge of the oncology field and are trained to not only administer treatments but also help patients and families navigate the complex world of cancer care. They are also tasked with advocating for the patient’s desires regarding their treatment desires.

Being an oncology nurse is a noble profession and will give you the opportunity to make a positive impact on patients through difficult medical circumstances. Xavier University’s Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program offers a holistic nursing focus as one of a handful of programs endorsed by the American Holistic Nurse’s Association. One of the pathways to a bachelor’s degree in nursing is through our 16-month accelerated curriculum. After learning oncology nurse responsibilities and examining how to become an oncology nurse, you can decide whether this nursing profession is the right fit for you.

What Does an Oncology Nurse Do?

As an oncology nurse, you can expect to work closely with other healthcare professionals across multiple practice areas to provide personalized care to patients with a diagnosis of cancer. Daily tasks will vary, as with any kind of nursing, but oncology nurses typically assess patients for disease progression, administer chemotherapy, and support patients and their families or loved ones.

An oncology nurse completes typical nursing tasks like administering treatment, performing tests and giving medication. On top of all that, oncology nurses work one-on-one with cancer patients to offer support and guidance during difficult treatments like radiation or chemotherapy. They also educate patients and family members on their treatments and any side effects or symptoms they might experience. Often times nurses serve as Nurse Navigators, coordinating care from multiple providers and working to ensure the patient’s needs are met.

Becoming an Oncology Nurse

Oncology nurses follow the same primary education path as any registered nurse (RN). Earning a degree through an accredited school with a BSN program like Xavier will help you gain a vast understanding of the medical field and nursing specialties. Xavier ABSN’s hybrid curriculum builds your nursing knowledge through:

• Online-based coursework that covers nursing knowledge and theory on a more flexible basis
• In-person skills and simulation labs to review mock care scenarios and build aptitude in different nursing tasks and techniques
• Clinical rotations working with real patients across several practice areas at top area healthcare facilities

After graduating with your BSN, the next step is earning state licensure and passing the NCLEX-RN, which every board of nursing in the United States requires. This test covers different areas of client needs and will apply everything you’ve learned throughout the program.

After passing the NCLEX-RN, you can secure an entry-level position in oncology nursing. You will work as part of a unit and deliver care to patients while maintaining records and completing other important administrative tasks.

After working for a while and confirming that oncology nursing is the profession for you, consider becoming an Oncology Certified Nurse. Earning certification in your chosen specialty opens up career doors and can make you stand out for potential employers.

How Long Does It Take to Become an Oncology Nurse?

Figuring out how many years it takes to become an oncology nurse depends on your education level and the specific specialty you pursue, but typically, completing the necessary education, experience hours, and certification can take two to four years.

Earning a BSN is the most straightforward option to be on your way to becoming an oncology nurse, as most advanced roles will require a BSN.

By enrolling in the ABSN program at Xavier University, you can jumpstart your path to becoming an oncology nurse. There are two tracks to the ABSN program. If you have some college credit, consider the BSN/BLA track, or if you have a non-nursing bachelor’s degree from another institution, Xavier has a track that may allow you to earn your BSN in as few as 16 months. After completing the program, you’ll be in a great position to enter the medical field and start getting experience in nursing.

Oncology Nurse Requirements and Qualifications

The technical requirements for an oncology nurse depend on the employer, but generally, you’ll need to become a licensed RN and pursue further experience related to this field. Oncology nurses need to be efficient in their work and clear in their communication. Regardless of specialty, nurses need a good bedside manner when administering care to patients, and this is especially true for oncology.

These technical skills are not the only requirements for an oncology nurse, though. Nurses pursuing this field as a specialty need certain characteristics to make them successful in their job field. Empathy, translation of care, and collaboration are large factors in being successful in oncology.

Providing care to patients and their families through one of the most difficult diseases to battle takes enhanced listening skills, ensuring they have a safe space for questions and concerns. Many of the terms and procedures used in cancer treatments are unfamiliar to the general public, so taking the extra time to explain care plans is crucial for building rapport with patients. Along with this, cancer care can extend into other medical fields, so collaborating with physicians and specialists will ensure that your patients receive the appropriate care for their situation.

It is also important to remember that not every patient you interact with will have a positive outcome. For this reason, oncology nurses must be resilient and focused on their work to function as level-headed as possible, even in stressful or emotional situations.

While this is certainly not an exhaustive list, these are some of the more important oncology nurse requirements. Honing these skills will help you be successful and administer the best quality care you can.

Is Oncology Nursing the Right Career for You?

A career in oncology nursing will involve high-stress scenarios and emotional circumstances. Walking alongside patients and their loved ones through a cancer diagnosis of any kind is challenging, but as a nurse working in oncology, you have the opportunity to make a lasting positive impact on each patient you interact with.

Oncology nurses are in high demand due to an increase in the number of people with a diagnosis of cancer, and finding the right path to becoming an oncology nurse is the first step toward making that lasting impact in healthcare facilities across the country.

Ready to Take the Next Step Toward Oncology Nursing?

Xavier’s accelerated BSN program equips students with the skills and clinical experience to succeed in specialized fields of nursing like oncology. With three annual start dates to choose from, you don’t have to wait to start making a real difference.

If you’re ready to start pursuing your degree in nursing or would like more information about the program, Xavier is here to help. Contact one of our admissions advisers today to begin the conversation and take the next step in your professional career.