Oncology Nurse: Cancer Care Nursing Specialist

Oncology Nurses specialize in caring for patients with cancer, from diagnosis through treatment, survivorship, or end-of-life care. This specialty requires not only clinical expertise in chemotherapy administration and symptom management but also exceptional emotional intelligence to support patients and families through one of life's most challenging journeys.

What Oncology Nurses Do

Oncology nurses administer chemotherapy and immunotherapy, manage treatment side effects, provide patient education about cancer and treatments, coordinate care across multidisciplinary teams, and offer emotional support. They work in infusion centers, oncology units, radiation oncology departments, and outpatient clinics. Many oncology nurses develop long-term relationships with patients, following them through months or years of treatment.

Salary & Compensation

Average Salary: $80,000 - $105,000 annually
Entry-Level: $70,000 - $80,000
Experienced Oncology RN: $85,000 - $110,000
Oncology Nurse Navigator: $90,000 - $120,000

Oncology certification (OCN) often results in pay increases of $2-5/hour. Outpatient infusion centers typically offer better work-life balance with Monday-Friday schedules.

Work Environment

Settings: Hospital oncology units, outpatient infusion centers, radiation oncology, bone marrow transplant units, hospice and palliative care

Schedule: Varies by setting - hospital units have 12-hour shifts, while infusion centers often offer 8-10 hour day shifts Monday-Friday, making it attractive for work-life balance.

Requirements & Skills

Certifications: OCN (Oncology Certified Nurse) after 1 year of experience, Chemotherapy/Immunotherapy certification required for administering treatments

Key Skills: Chemotherapy safety, central line management, symptom management, patient education, grief support, attention to detail (medication dosing is critical)

Career Path

Oncology nurses can advance to Oncology Nurse Navigator (guiding patients through cancer journey), Clinical Trial Coordinator, Oncology Nurse Practitioner, or Palliative Care specialist.

Pros & Cons

Pros: Meaningful long-term patient relationships, specialized knowledge, good compensation, Monday-Friday options available, intellectually challenging

Cons: Emotionally draining, frequent patient deaths, chemotherapy exposure risks, dealing with grief regularly, high documentation burden

Oncology nursing attracts compassionate nurses who want to make a profound impact during patients' most vulnerable times.