Oncology Nurse Career Overview
What Does an Oncology Nurse Do?
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:
Primary Responsibilities
- Monitoring patient progress and updating patient records
- Administering treatment prescribed by physicians and NPs
- Educating patients on treatment and preventing recurrence
- Facilitating patient-physician communication
- Providing emotional and psychological support to patients and families
Key Skills
- Empathy
- Communication
- Collaboration
- Continual learning
Where Do Oncology Nurses Work?
Oncology nurses primarily work in hospitals, standalone cancer treatment facilities, hospice care facilities, and physician’s practices.
Hospitals
Oncology nurses in hospitals work with inpatients and outpatients, assist with treatments and operations, and monitor patient progress.
Standalone Facilities
In standalone facilities, these nurses facilitate communications and update health records with primary care providers, educate patients and families, and prepare patients for discharge.
Hospice Care
Oncology nurses working in hospice care facilities assist terminal patients, administer palliative treatments, and support patients psychologically.
Why Become an Oncology Nurse?
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.
Advantages to Becoming an Oncology Nurse
Ability to help patients and their families when they need it most- High level of trust and respect in communities
- Salaries well above the national average
Disadvantages to Becoming an Oncology Nurse
Can be emotionally stressful- May be blamed by families for negative outcomes
- High burnout risk
How to Become an Oncology Nurse
- 1
Graduate with a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) or an associate degree in nursing (ADN)
This is the first requirement for becoming an oncology nurse. A BSN takes four years to complete, while an ADN requires two years. Many jobs require either a BSN or for a nurse with an ADN to acquire a bachelor’s within a certain period.
- 2
Pass the NCLEX-RN exam to receive registered nursing licensure
This national exam includes questions about conditions, treatments, patient psychology and communication, and legal/ethical issues. It takes up to six hours.
- 3
Gain experience in oncology nursing practice
Registered nurses (RNs) can begin oncology work in entry-level positions. After two years as an RN and 2,000 hours of oncology work, a nurse can apply for certification as an oncology certified nurse (OCN).
- 4
Improve your job prospects by becoming an OCN
Certification is not mandatory for entry-level oncology nurse jobs but is helpful. Certified nurses demonstrate their value when competing for oncology nurse specialty jobs and advancing in their workplaces.
- 5
Advance your career with a graduate degree
Many oncology nurses become advanced oncology certified nurse practitioners by earning a master of science in nursing (MSN) and receiving advanced certification. NPs have more autonomy and earn higher salaries.
Concentrations and Certifications
Pediatric Oncology Nurse
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 Nurse
Pediatric hematology oncology nurses specialize in treating children with leukemia and other cancers that affect the blood. They often administer chemotherapy.
Breast Care Nurse
Breast care nurses support patients during breast cancer treatment and help to educate them on preventing recurrences.
Blood and Marrow Transplant Nurse
Blood and marrow transplant nurses help patients prepare for transplants, administer transplants, monitor progress, and educate patients on their ongoing needs.
How Much Do Oncology Nurses Make?
Oncology nursing jobs, like nursing jobs in general, pay above the U.S. average, with an average salary of $85,936, according to Payscale data as of November 2025. In 2024, the highest paid 10% of all RNs earned a median salary of more than $135,320.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects RN employment to grow faster than average, increasing 5% from 2024-2034. With cancer rates projected to increase as the U.S. population ages, oncology nurse jobs will likely keep pace.
Resources for Oncology Nurses
Oncology Nursing Society
ONS has more than 35,000 members. It offers professional development and continuing education opportunities, publishes newsletters and a scholarly journal, and offers scholarships and grants.Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation
ONCC develops and administers eight oncology nurse credential programs and approves continuing education programs for credit. This company has also established an oncology nurse code of ethics.
Frequently Asked Questions About Oncology Nurses
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.
Reviewed by:
Nicole Galan is a registered nurse who earned a master’s degree in nursing education from Capella University and currently works as a full-time freelance writer. Throughout her nursing career, Galan worked in a general medical/surgical care unit and then in infertility care. She has also worked for over 13 years as a freelance writer specializing in consumer health sites and educational materials for nursing students.
Galan is a paid member of our Healthcare Review Partner Network. Learn more about our review partners.
