What Do Oncology Nurses Do?

One of the reasons I was drawn to nursing was knowing I could pivot into other nursing roles without having to go back to school and totally "start over."

Within the specialty of oncology nursing, there are a variety of even more specialized areas and settings.

Here are some common responsibilities of oncology nurses:

• Educate, advocate for, and support patients with cancer and their caregivers

• Administer cancer treatments such as chemo or immunotherapy

• Help manage symptoms or side effects of cancer and cancer treatment

• Administer medications, antibiotics, blood products, or other treatments

• Manage central lines, drains, vacs, or other devices

• Provide end-of-life or hospice care

• Collaborate & coordinate with the rest of the oncology care team

Where do oncology nurses work?

Oncology nurses work in lots of different settings that fall within the cancer continuum (prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment, survivorship, end-of-life).

Many oncology nurses start their careers in hospitals or clinics. Others work in specialty centers that are specific to certain types of cancer or cancer treatments. Some oncology nurses provide care in the patient's home.

Non-traditional oncology nursing roles are expanding, too. Some oncology nurses work in telehealth, nurse navigation, consulting, coaching, clinical trials, education, or writing. These are often roles that require an experienced oncology nurse.

Oncology nursing specialties

Specialties in oncology nursing may vary by:

• Type of cancer, such as hematology oncology

• Cancer treatment type, such as radiation oncology

• Cancer phase or type of care, such as palliative oncology

• Cancer population, such as pediatric oncology

I myself started my nursing career on an inpatient oncology unit at a rural community hospital in Lancaster, PA. I loved the wide range of patients we cared for. I could and often did have 5 completely different patients. Here's an example:

1. Post-op mastectomy patient

2. A patient who has just been diagnosed with cancer

3. Someone who is receiving chemotherapy

4. Someone with a suspected infection

5. A patient on comfort care or hospice

Since then, I've also worked as a Nurse Educator, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Nurse Liaison, Medical Editor, and most recently, small business owner.

Oncology nurses work anywhere & everywhere! Where has oncology nursing taken you?