Oncology Nurse

Answer 1

Nurses who choose to work in the field of Oncology will face difficult but very rewarding challenges. There are normally two different choices nurses have when seeking a career in Oncology: Pediatrics or Adult. Oncology nurses usually work in hospitals, cancer treatment centers or care for patients in their homes. In order to become an Adult Oncology Nurse, one must complete an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in nursing, earning an RN or BSN title. Usually both of these routes will include several Oncology-related classes as electives. After finishing classes, nurses must take and pass the NCLEX exam in order to receive their license. Nurses who choose the path of Pediatric Oncology must usually obtain a Bachelor’s degree and take several classes focused on children and Oncology.

Adult Oncology

Nurses who choose to work with adults will come in contact with both young, middle-aged and elderly adults. When working in a large hospital setting, nurses are responsible for overseeing the care of their patients. While assistants usually perform direct hygiene and activity-related tasks, nurses must be responsible for medication administration, giving shots, wound care and any other important treatments the patient requires. Nurses also have the same responsibilities in home care, but the setting is very different. Those who work in home care usually work with patients who have no hope of recovering and merely want to live their last days in peace at home. This is a very challenging job to face death and suffering; nurses entering the field of home Oncology care require strong mental health. In cancer treatment centers, nurses assist doctors with carrying out detailed treatment and recovery plans for patients. Adult Oncology Nurses usually earn a starting salary between $35,000 and $38,000 per year.

Pediatric Oncology

Working with children who have cancer, especially those who are terminally ill, is very difficult for most nurses. Those who love children will find that they are an immense comfort and help to these suffering children. Usually a Pediatric Oncology Nurse will care for children in a children’s hospital or at their home if their condition is terminal. Starting salaries for these nurses range between $36,000 and $42,000 per year.