Oncology Nursing Career Resources

Oncology is the healthcare field concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of patients with cancer. An oncology nurse assesses patients’ health problems and needs, develops and implements nursing care plans, and maintains medical records. An oncology nurse typically administers care to patients in either an outpatient or inpatient hospital setting. Oncology nursing may also involve the administering and monitoring of chemotherapy treatments.

The practice of oncology nursing encompasses the roles of direct caregiver, educator, consultant, administrator, and researcher. Oncology nursing extends to all care delivery settings where clients experiencing or at risk for developing cancer receive health care, education, and counseling for cancer prevention, screening and detection.

The oncology nurse functions as a coordinator of care, collaborating with other cancer care providers and team members to provide required care as effectively as possible.

Advanced practice also may include the roles of direct caregiver, coordinator, consultant, educator, researcher and administrator.

Advanced nursing practice in oncology as a direct caregiver implies mastery of the nursing process and the ability to provide, guide, and evaluate nursing practice delivered to individuals diagnosed with cancer, their families, and the community.

As a coordinator, the oncology nurse works expertly with the multidisciplinary oncology team to achieve realistic healthcare goals for an individual or for an entire community.