Cancer isn't just one disease; it's more like 100. And as treatment continues to evolve based on genetic research, oncology nurses must be willing and able to keep up.
Two veteran oncology nurses recommend that nurses interested in oncology seek clinical rotations in the field and experience working in a general inpatient setting before applying.
Where the work is
Oncology nurses may work in inpatient hospital units or in outpatient settings, according to Karen Swenson, Ph.D., RN, a certified advanced oncology nurse and director of the Park Nicollet Frauenshuh Cancer Center oncology research program (parknicollet.com). In outpatient settings, they may work directly with physicians who are examining patients; in chemotherapy, administering infusions of drugs specific to each cancer and monitoring patients for allergic reactions; or in radiation, monitoring patients during treatments and working on symptom management.
They may also pursue careers in research, educating patients about new treatments and clinical studies. "It's not only new treatments, but it's also symptom control studies, cancer control studies and cancer prevention studies," said Swenson.
Patrick Silovich, RN, works in chemotherapy at the University of Minnesota Masonic Cancer Center (cancer.umn.edu). The work is intense, but very rewarding, and teamwork is essential.
"We want experienced people with a nice broad background," Silovich said. "The oncology part is teachable. You have to be a very caring and compassionate individual."
That's especially true in pediatric oncology, where treatments take more time and the whole family's needs must be considered, he added
