Oncology Nurse Career Overview

Oncology nurse jobs involve caring for patients as part of a team led by oncologist physicians or nurse practitioners (NPs). They may also supervise nursing assistants. Key skills and responsibilities for oncology nurses include:

Oncology nurses primarily work in hospitals, standalone cancer treatment facilities, hospice care facilities, and physician’s practices.

Oncology nurses in hospitals work with inpatients and outpatients, assist with treatments and operations, and monitor patient progress.

In standalone facilities, these nurses facilitate communications and update health records with primary care providers, educate patients and families, and prepare patients for discharge.

Oncology nurses working in hospice care facilities assist terminal patients, administer palliative treatments, and support patients psychologically.

Oncology nurse jobs can be both emotionally rewarding and stressful, especially for pediatric oncology nurses. However, as cancer care continues to improve, oncology nursing presents more rewarding opportunities for employment. Salaries for these nurses typically rank above national averages.

Certified pediatric oncology nurses care for children and adolescents who have cancer. They also provide treatment and emotional support for patients and families.

Pediatric hematology oncology nurses specialize in treating children with leukemia and other cancers that affect the blood. They often administer chemotherapy.

Breast care nurses support patients during breast cancer treatment and help to educate them on preventing recurrences.

Blood and marrow transplant nurses help patients prepare for transplants, administer transplants, monitor progress, and educate patients on their ongoing needs.

Oncology nursing jobs, like nursing jobs in general, pay above the U.S. average, with an average salary of $76,332. In 2019, the highest paid 10% of all RNs earned a median salary of more than $111,200.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects RN employment to grow faster than average, increasing 7% from 2019-2029. With cancer rates projected to increase as the U.S. population ages, oncology nurse jobs will likely keep pace.

It takes two years to earn an ADN and four years to earn a BSN. Becoming an OCN requires at least two years of experience as an RN, though entry-level oncology nurse jobs do not necessarily require certification.

Oncology nurse jobs pay an average annual salary of $74,090, virtually the same as the median salary for all nurses at $73,300. Oncology nurse salaries can vary based on experience, certification, geographic location, specialization, and many other factors.

Oncology nurses can become oncology nurse practitioners by earning MSN degrees and passing the certification examination. NPs earn higher salaries and take on greater responsibilities in patient care.

The OCN examination addresses the aspects of oncology care nurses are most likely to provide such as early detection, symptom and pain management, and the psychological impact of a cancer diagnosis. The multiple-choice test is three hours.