The Staircase to Becoming an Oncology Nurse

Introduction

Some people choose jobs because of their interests. Others select career paths based on factors such as desired salary, the ease with which they may obtain the job, and/or the hours associated with the job. Regardless, for most individuals, they simply pick a vocation. In my situation, my wants and needs go to the career of an Oncology Nurse. Many people die from this horrendous disease each year, and one day it will be my job to help and care for those whom are in trouble, being chased down by the mass murderer, Cancer. Becoming an Oncology Nurse requires a specific type of education, many tasks to overcome, and the persistence of great work while on the job.

Education

To become fit for this job, you will need a couple things. Like it says in the article "How to Become an Oncology Nurse," “Although you will be best served by eventually earning a 4-year Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, you may choose to start your career with a two-year associate's degree, or two-to-three-year diploma.”(1), that, and of course additional training afterwards, considering that when time changes, science, and the education also changes, so it is always better to stay caught up. You should really focus on excelling in any math and science classes, they’re really useful subjects for this job. That’s not too bad is it? Besides, if you really want it, you will work your hardest to get it!

Obtaining the Job

To obtain the job, there are important tasks/skills you need to complete or overcome, like you’ll need to know how to multitask, to be compassionate, loving, hardworking, to be strong minded, organised, to know specific cancer care skills, and you need to want to do the job. An important skill that is needed, is math. An Oncology Nurse “is here to help, bringing both experience and honesty to guide cancer patients, and their families through this labyrinth of questions and treatments.” (Srivastava). This part needs to be your main priority, since it will be one of the main things in your life, considering you will tend to connect with the patients emotionally.

On the Job

On the job as an Oncology Nurse, “You’ll provide and supervise care for cancer patients who are either chronologically or critically ill. Oncology Nurse practitioners monitor their patients’ physical conditions, prescribe medication, and formulate symptom management strategies.” (How to Become an Oncology Nurse) (1). Also while you’re on this job, you will see many lives suffering, or being lost, it is your job to make them feel as comfortable as possible. You will have to build a relationship with the patients you care for, so that they can feel fully safe while under your care. As I read the article "Staff Nurse-RN-Oncology Salaries" I read, “ The median annual Staff Nurse-RN-Oncology salary is $68,847, as of April 26, 2016, with a range usually between 61,520-76,959, however this can vary widely depending on a variety of factors.”(1) So it’s not a bad paying job, or a bad job at all if you actually have a desire for it. As of an Oncology Nurse Practitioner,” "The Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) has more than 35,000 members, both Registered Nurses, and other health care providers” (1), giving this information, you will have many people in the same force as you. You are expected to get along with all of them. If not, you should probably stay clear of them if you really want this job. Some of the “work settings for Oncology Nurses include hospitals, cancer centers, doctors’ offices, patients’ homes, extended care facilities, and hospices.” (Oncology Nurse Practitioners)(1).

Conclusion

All in all, to become an Oncology Nurse, there are many expectations in education, many tasks to overcome, and you must show the persistence of great work on the job. Enjoy this information, hopefully, if this career comes to your interest, the information provided will assist you on your journey of becoming, and being, an Oncology Nurse.

Work Cited

“How to Become an Oncology Nurse”. Web. 5 May 2016

“Oncology Nurse Practitioner”. Web. 5 May 2016

Srivastava, Ranjana. “A Cancer Companion. An Oncologist’s Advice on Diagnosis, Treatment, and Recovery”. Chicago: Penguin Australia, 2014. Print.

“Staff Nurse-RN-Oncology Salaries”. Web. 5 May 2016.