Research Assessment #7

Date: ​November 15, 2019

Subject: ​Oncology

MLA Citation:

“Oncology Nurse Career Guide.” Nurse.org, Full Beaker, Inc,

https://nurse.org/resources/oncology-nurse/.

Assessment:

When a patient is being treated for cancer there are a multitude of different medical

professionals that work together toward the common goal of curing the patient. The most well

known medical professional that works with a patient during their cancer journey is a Medical

Oncologist. It would be impossible for a Medical Oncologist alone to deal with the task of curing

the patient, so they often receive aid from other medical professionals such as nurses and

technicians. The often-overlooked field of nursing includes the medical professionals that spend

the majority of their time directly caring for and working closely with the patients. Nurses in all

fields of medicine administer medicine and help patients both physically and emotionally

throughout their medical journeys. Nurses in the field of Oncology are different from nurses in

other fields in terms of what they have to do and in the article entitled, “Oncology Nurse Career

Guide,” written by the team at nurse.org explores and explains all the aspects of the unique

specialty of Oncology Nursing.

This article provided an abundance of information about the field of Oncology for a

nurse, which is a perspective that I have yet to study before and still have much to learn about.

From this article, I was able to gather that a nurse’s salary in the field of Oncology can vary
depending upon the level of education that they have achieved prior. Oncology Nurses are on

average paid more if they achieve additional certifications beyond just the required master’s

degree and certifications. This is important information to take into account when I plan my

educational pathway post-highschool if I were to decide in the future that I would rather go into

nursing as opposed to becoming a Medical Oncologist. I would use this information in the future

to help myself determine the necessary certifications I might want to add in addition to my

degree and required certifications to improve my resume as a nurse for my future employers.

Secondly, from this article I learned that as many currently employed Oncology Nurses

are reaching the age of retirement, there is now a growing shortage of nurses to tend to a growing

number of patients who are being diagnosed with cancer. This is vital as it shows me that there

will be a plethora of job opportunities available for me in the field of Oncology Nursing in the

future as there are not enough people currently interested to fill all of those positions. I can

additionally use this information during my ISM journey in my Winter Presentation to help my

audience truly understand the current state of the field of Oncology in terms of employment

opportunities. Furthermore, I learned from this article that like doctors, nurses also have to pass a

board test to be able to become a fully licensed Oncology Nurse. This exam is called the NCLEX

(National Council Licensure Examination). This exam is for all nurses in any field of medicine,

but in addition to this test in order to achieve the status of being an Oncology Nurse one must

achieve at least one of the following certifications: Oncology Certified Nurse, Certified Pediatric

Hematology-Oncology Nurse, Certified Breast Care Nurse, Blood and Marrow Transplant

Certified Nurse, Advanced Oncology Certified Nurse Practitioner, or Advanced Oncology

Certified Clinical Nurse Specialist. The exact one you work to achieve depends on what specific
type of Oncology Nurse you aspire to become. You can also go above and beyond and get more

than one type of certification, which ties back to the first point I learned that the more

certifications a nurse acquires the higher their salary typically becomes due to their increased

versatility. I can use this information in the future to decide if I were to choose to become a nurse

what exactly I need to complete in terms of education, testing, and certifications before I ever

first step foot into the workplace to make myself the most qualified Oncology Nurse that I can

be.

In addition to the logistics of becoming an Oncology Nurse, the career outlook, and

salary, I also learned what exactly an Oncology Nurse is expected to do. An Oncology Nurse is

expected to in different healthcare setting such as a hospital or cancer center educate patients and

their families about cancer, screen patients to see if they have developed cancer, help assist the

doctor in managing the patient, research Oncology, and finally directly care for the patient. The

amount of work a nurse does surprised me as it showed me that a nurse plays an extremely active

role both within the workplace and directly with the patients in the field of Oncology. I was also

surprised to learn that Oncology Nurses work within multiple subspecialties of Oncology such as

Gynecologic Oncology and Surgical Oncology. I can use all that I learned about what an

Oncology Nurse does in the future to understand that if I were to choose to go into this

profession in the future what would be expected of me to do. I can also use this information in

my Winter Presentation to show my audience the many different professions that work together

in the field of Oncology and the differences between all of them. I also learned that as an

Oncology Nurse I would have to periodically renew my license. This means that in the future if I

were to become an Oncology Nurse I would always have to be at the top of my game because I
will continue to be evaluated and tested to keep valid the license I had gained. Finally, I learned

from this article that if I were to become an Oncology Nurse there are many professional

organizations I could join such as the Oncology Nursing Society or the International Society of

Nurses in Cancer Care. I could use this information in the future to help connect to other

Oncology Nurses outside of my workplace if in the future I decided to pursue a career in the field

of Oncology Nursing.

All in all, from this article I gained information about the field of Oncology for a nurse,

which I something up until this point had very little knowledge about. From this article, I learned

the logistics behind being an Oncology Nurse such as the salary, career outlook, and educational

requirements. I additionally learned about what it truly entails to be an Oncology Nurse such as

what an Oncology Nurse is expected to do, how to maintain my status as an Oncology Nurse,

and how I can connect with other nurses in the field as well. All of this information is valuable as

it gave me a better understanding of the field of Oncology Nursing to help me understand that if

in the future I were to choose to go into this career as opposed to being a Medical Oncologist

what exactly I would have to do in order to achieve said goal. I would use this information in the

future to make an informed decision whether I truly want to continue to be a Medical Oncologist

or would I like to switch to Oncology Nursing. I can also use the information I learned within

this article to provide in-depth information at my Winter Showcase Presentation another side of

the field of Oncology of a nurse working within it to help educate my audience all of what the

medical field of Oncology truly entails. In the end, this article provided me with information

about the field of Nursing Oncology that I had yet to have learned about before that I can use

both now and in the future as well in my professional life.

Article: ​*​All annotations are bold and italicized.*

Oncology nurses care for people of all ages who are diagnosed with cancer. ​Oncology is a challenging field in 
which nurses support patients, families, and caregivers through the stress of diagnosis and treatment, and 
the anxiety of many uncertainties brought on by the disease, including facing mortality​. ​What an Oncology 
Nurse must do. 

PART ONE 

What Is An Oncology Nurse? 

The oncology field today is different than in the early days of cancer treatment, with many more treatment 
options, better pain control, and reduced treatment side effects. The science is dynamic and continually 
evolving, with many new therapies on the horizon. Many people are making the transition from cancer 
patient to cancer survivor. In short, there is often hope for recovery, or for living with the disease. Oncology 
nurses have important roles to play all along the cancer care continuum. 

As an oncology nurse, you’ll be on a path of career-long learning that offers challenges, financial rewards, 
and professional growth. If you have a desire to get to know patients and the nuances of their needs and 
care, oncology nursing may be a good career choice. You’ll often have the chance to develop deep 
relationships with people as you care for them throughout their cancer journey. ​What an Oncology Nurse is 
expected to do. 

PART TWO 

What is the salary range for oncology nurses? 

As with nursing in general, your salary as an oncology nurse will depend on your level of education, years of 
experience, size of employer, and where you live and work. In May 2016 the ​Bureau of Labor Statistics 
reported the mean annual income for nurses as $68,450, with a range from $47,120 to $102,990 per year.  
Pay differentials can boost nursing salaries. These differentials are typically added to your base hourly rate 
for evening or night shifts, charge duties, or for mentoring new nurses. Higher salaries are often offered for 
having a BSN or MSN, or for obtaining certification in the field. 

Sign-on bonuses may be available depending on the demand for nurses. In hospital work settings, such as 
perioperative areas, or oncology-surgical floors, nurses are eligible for overtime pay. ​How an Oncology Nurse 
can go about raising their salary. 

Be sure to look at the big picture when you consider a compensation package. Also consider continuing 
education or tuition reimbursement, health insurance coverage, and the number of paid days off. Travel 
nursing can boost salary for adventurous nurses with flexibility in location and lifestyle.  

Many employers offer additional compensation for achieving certification in your nursing specialty. 
Oncology nursing offers a range of certifications to choose from, depending on your interests and level of 
practice. More information about these certifications is included in the answer to question 4: How Do I 
Become an Oncology Nurse?  

According to the BLS, in May of 2016, the highest paying states for nursing were as follows: 

● California: $101,750 

● Massachusettes: $89,060 

● Hawaii: $88,910 

● Oregon: $87,000 

● Alaska: $86,450 

In the same year, the BLS ranked the highest mean annual salaries for nurses, and the top 10 were in 
California. The top three were as follows: 

● San Francisco-Redwood City-South San Francisco, CA: $136,610 

● Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA: $124,920 

● Vallejo-Fairfield, CA: $124,380 ​Average salaries by state and area of Oncology Nurses. 
Advanced practice nurses command higher salaries than registered nurses, and this holds true for nurse 
practitioners who specialize in oncology. The (Bureau of Labor Statistics) reports that in 2016, the median 
annual income for nurse practitioners was $100,910, with the lower 10% of NPs earning $72,420 or less and 
the upper 10% of NPs earning $140,930 or more.  

As with any employment situation, oncology NPs should consider the comprehensive package when 
evaluating any job offer, such as local cost of living and total benefits package (health and dental insurance, 
retirement benefits, educational benefits, and others). Nurse practitioners who wish to set up a private 
practice will need to evaluate the local market, obtain professional advice from their accountant and legal 
professionals, and create a solid business plan. 

The ​Bureau of Labor Statistics​ reports that in 2016 the highest paying states for nurse practitioners were: 

● California $124,330 

● Alaska $121,250 

● Massachusetts $117,860 

● Hawaii $117,180 

● New Jersey $115,230 

Advanced practice salaries are affected by the same factors that shape RN salaries nationwide. 

PART THREE 

What Is The Career Outlook For Oncology Nurses? 

The ​Bureau of Labor Statistics​ predicts that nursing employment will grow at a rate of 16 percent through 
2024 – much faster than the average for all jobs. There is a shortage of nurses, with baby boomer nurses 
nearing retirement and the growing health demands of our aging population. ​ ​The projected career outlook for 
Oncology Nursing. 

To discover opportunities in oncology nursing visit our ​Job Board​. 

In its report, Cancer Facts and Figures 2017, the ​American Cancer Society​ estimates that in 2017, over 1.6 
million people in the U.S. will be diagnosed with cancer, which excludes noninvasive and several other 
cancers. The disease is the second leading cause of death next to heart disease, and about 1650 people die 
from it every day (a total of about 600,920 people each year).  

Cancer affects many body systems and all age, racial, and cultural groups. As the risk for many cancers 
increases with age, the demand for oncology nurses will likely increase in areas such as screening and 
prevention, health status monitoring, symptom management, direct nursing care, and 
patient/family/caregiver education.  

PART FOUR 

How Do I Become An Oncology Nurse? 

To become an oncology nurse you must first complete an entry-level nursing program. Medical-surgical 
nursing is a foundational course offered in nursing programs and provides an overview of care for many 
diseases and procedures, including cancer and its treatment.  

To become a registered nurse you must: 

● Graduate from a two- year program for an associate’s degree in nursing, a three-year program for a 

diploma in nursing (usually hospital-based), or a four-year college or university program leading to a 

bachelor’s degree in nursing 

● Take the RN licensing exam after graduation, also known as the NCLEX (National Council Licensure 

Examination). The NCLEX is a nationwide examination for the licensing of nurses in the United 

States and Canada ​Education requirements for a nurse. 

Once you pass this exam, you may apply for your first nursing job 
If you wish to pursue an advanced practice role in oncology nursing, the path is typically to choose a patient 
population as your focus, with a subspecialty in oncology. For example, some MSN programs in adult or 
gerontology nursing offer the oncology nurse practitioner subspecialty.  

There are many options for obtaining basic nursing and postgraduate nursing education. A good place to 
start your search is the ​U.S. News and World Report annual listing of Best Grad Schools​.  

In 2017, the top-ranked Master’s degree programs in nursing were: 

1. Duke University, Durham, N.C. 

2. Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 
3. University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 
4. Emory University, Atlanta, GA 
5. Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 

Check the website to find out more about these programs, as well as the top-ranked DNP and online nursing 
degree programs.  

Certification in Oncology Nursing 

Certification also helps nurses demonstrate their knowledge in oncology. The (Oncology Nursing 
Certification Corporation) offers six different certifications. Certification in the field boosts your 
confidence, keeps your knowledge up to date, helps you provide the best possible patient care, is an 
advantage in the competition for jobs, and can enhance your annual salary.  

The following certifications are available, depending on your interests and experience: 

● Oncology Certified Nurse (ONC®) 

● Certified Pediatric Hematology Oncology Nurse (CPHON®) 

 ● Certified Breast Care Nurse (CBCN®) 

● Blood and Marrow Transplant Certified Nurse (BMTCN®) 

● Advanced Oncology Certified Nurse Practitioner (AOCNP®) 

● Advanced Oncology Certified Clinical Nurse Specialist (AOCNS®) ​Certifications available for 

Oncology Nurses. 

*Require a master’s degree in nursing. See 2017 Oncology Nursing Certification Test Candidate Handbook t​ o 
review​ available pathways to certification. 

The ONCC provides a handy online tool to help you calculate if you have enough oncology nursing 
experience to sit for a certification exam. You can also download content outlines for specific exams and 
take one cost-free sample test to help you prepare.  

You can also download the Test Candidate Handbook, review certification requirements for each exam, and 
learn how to best prepare on exam day. Another online tool from ONCC helps you find a testing center near 
you, and year-round testing makes it easy to choose a time that’s compatible with your schedule. 

Show Me Oncology Programs 

PART FIVE 

What Does An Oncology Nurse Do? 

Oncology nurses care for individuals, families, and communities, and the role has expanded to include many 
aspects of care:  

● Cancer education and prevention 

● Screening 

● Nurse navigation 

● Nursing management 

● Research 
 ● Direct patient care ​What an Oncology Nurse does on a daily basis. 

Oncology nurses work in many healthcare settings: hospitals, cancer centers, clinics, physician offices, home 
care agencies (including palliative and hospice care), hospice centers, and extended care facilities.  

In addition to variety in work locations, there are many areas of oncology in which to focus. These include: 

● Hematology 

● Bone marrow transplantation 

● Immunotherapy 

● Breast Oncology 

● Gynecologic oncology 

● Genetic counseling 

● Radiation oncology 

● Surgical oncology 

● Chemotherapy/infusion ​Specific specialties an Oncology Nurse can work in. 

In many work settings, oncology nurses will learn safety precautions regarding caring for patients 
undergoing procedures and treatments where there is potential exposure to radiation and toxic substances, 
including chemotherapy.  

PART SIX 

What Are The Continuing Education Requirements For Oncology Nurses? 

Clinical practice and continuing education requirements for renewing a nursing license, certification, and 
advanced practice certification vary by state and credentialing agency. Check with your state board and 
professional organization for the rules on keeping your RN license and certification up to date. ​How an 
Oncology Nurse keeps their license valid. 

You can also visit our ​CE Guide​ for details. 

Show Me Oncology Programs 

PART SEVEN 

Where can I learn more about oncology nursing? 

Learn more about oncology nursing by searching the web and talking with nurses currently working in the 
field. Tap into social media, visit your local nursing school to chat with an advisor, and visit the websites of 
professional organizations for oncology nursing. Some of these organizations include: 

● Oncology Nursing Society 

● International Society of Nurses in Cancer Care 

● Society of Gynecologic Nurse Oncologists 

● Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association 

● Association of Pediatric Hematology Oncology Nurses 

● National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners 

● Academy of Oncology Nurse and Patient Navigators ​List of professional organizations for Oncology 

Nursing. 

Part Eight​Where Can I Rind The Best Oncology Nurse Jobs? 

Many sources can get you started in your search for oncology nursing positions. First, check the “Careers” 
pages of websites for hospitals and agencies that interest you. Many online resources are available for job 
searches, including nursing social media sites, career sites, and dedicated nursing career sites such as our ​job 
board​.  

You can also check for opportunities with comprehensive cancer centers, so named by the National Cancer 
Institute (NCI), and members of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network. These organizations have a 
strong commitment to advancing cancer science and treatment as well as to providing leading edge patient 
care.  
Oncology nursing is a rewarding field, with challenges on many levels: ever-changing knowledge and 
technology requirements in a continually evolving area of medicine, and having to face emotionally charged 
situations as part of one’s daily work. The oncology nurse has the opportunity to grow both professionally 
and personally, forming deep and trusting relationships with patients and families over time. 

While self-care and maintaining personal/professional life balance are critical for all nurses, it is especially 
important for the oncology nurse to regularly practice self-care, incorporating activities that bring physical, 
emotional, and spiritual renewal. Oncology nurses make significant contributions to caring for the patients 
they serve, the healthcare system, and society as a whole.