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Transcript
Hey guys! In this lesson, we will explore what an oncology nurse does and how to become one.
Let’s begin talking about what oncology nurses do. They care for patients with cancer by collecting their history and completing physical and mental assessments on the patients. They are there with the patients through tough diagnoses and results. Oncology nurses provide support not only for the patient, but the family as well. Oncology nurses provide end-of-life care as well.
Oncology nurses safely administer chemotherapy to cancer patients like in this picture. They follow careful handling and disposal guidelines, and always use the five rights of medication administration to avoid the error. They help the patients to manage symptoms such as nausea or vomiting, fatigue, and pain.
Are you thinking of becoming an oncology nurse? Let’s talk about how you can make it happen! First, you must complete a two or four-year nursing program and pass the NCLEX. Next, apply for an entry nurse job in the hospital such as med-surg where you can get some good experience for at least one year. After a year or so on that unit, you will start to feel confident in your skills. When you are ready, apply for the oncology job that you’re interested in! It might be in the hospital, a clinic, or home care. I would recommend starting in the hospital before home care so that you feel confident and prepared when out on your own.
Let’s touch on some of the available specialties in oncology that you might encounter. Hematology focuses on the the blood. You may end up interested in working with bone marrow transplantation patients. Immunotherapy specialty is where the patient’s immune system is suppressed to treat the disease, such as in immunologic diseases. Radiation oncology and chemotherapy specialties may interest you as well. Another thing to think about is whether you want to work with adults or in pediatrics. If you are interested in pediatrics, you may want to start on a general pediatric unit before working on a pediatric oncology unit.
Once you are an oncology nurse, you may want to become certified. The benefits of certification include increasing your knowledge and credentials. In order to become certified by the Oncology Nursing Certifications Corporation, or ONCC, you must have a current RN license, two years of nursing experience, ten contact hours CEUs in oncology, and 2,000 hours of adult oncology nursing experience within the past four years. If you decide to become certified under the Oncology Nursing Society, or ONS, you may receive a certification in chemo as long as you provide chemo administration at least once per month and have one year of experience with chemo administration.
Let’s talk about patient education. Oncology nurses spend time developing a rapport with their patients so that they feel comfortable with them and can trust them. They help to assist with coping by educating them about their prognosis and about community support available to them. They discuss long-term changes and symptoms that may occur. Side-effects of the chemo or radiation are explained carefully to prepare them. Choices are often made with the joint decision-making process that includes doctors, nurses, family, and the patient.
Alright guys, let’s talk about the key points we covered. The oncology nurse cares for patients with cancer diagnoses by assessing and managing their care. They administer chemotherapy when ordered and manage symptoms in the patients. You may become an oncology nurse by completing a nursing program, passing the NCLEX, spending at least a year on a general unit like med-surg, and then apply for an oncology job! There are many oncology specialties that you may be interested in like bone marrow transplant or chemotherapy. After becoming an oncology nurse, you may become certified by ONCC or ONS if you meet the criteria to increase your credentials. Patient education is important in oncology and begins with gaining rapport and helping the patients cope during the process.
Okay guys, now you know what an oncology nurse does and how to become one. Now go out and be your best self today, and as always, happy nursing!
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