Oncological Nurses: Job Description, Education, Skills and Duties, Earnings and Outlook
Submitted by: paula
Job Overview Many people all over the world are diagnosed with cancer. Cancer is the second leading cause of death. Intense medical investigations and studies are conducted to find better treatments for these conditions. Oncological nurses play an important role in treating cancer patients. They are recognized since they undergo unique training to know how to properly take care of patients with cancer. They are also involved in cancer prevention, cancer research, in-patient and community education.
Education, Knowledge and Trainings Required
It is required to be a registered nurse first before one could be an oncologist nurse. To be a registered nurse, they should take Science and Mathematics courses like Physics, Chemistry and Biology. Communication skills are enhanced by taking courses in Speech and English. An applicant can choose from any of the training programs available to become a registered nurse. He/she can take an Associate’s degree, a Bachelor’s degree or diploma. Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation (ONCC) issues three types of certification. The examination will test the basic knowledge of an applicant about oncology nursing and their specialization in this field. The certifications being issued include Certified Pediatric Oncology Nurse (CPON), Advanced Oncology Certified Clinical Nurse Specialist (AOCNS) and Advanced Oncology Certified Nurse Practitioner (AOCNP).
Skills and Abilities
Oncological nurse should have the ability to easily adapt to new medical treatments and latest cancer technology. They should be technically inclined and they need to have an interest in operating new medical equipment. They must show understanding, patience, composure and compassion to patients and to their family and friends. It is important to know how to communicate and explain to the patient and family why and how a certain procedure is performed. Oncological nurse needs to stay focused and calm in emergency situations. Since most of them work in hospitals, they need to get used to working in different shifts.
Duties
Oncological nurse should help administer chemotherapy. It is their responsibility to study and be updated with current treatments, research and other advances about cancer. They give medicine, drugs and other types of treatment and should be sensitive to changes in equipment, side effects and dosage.
They should personally and emotionally be attached to the patient. They should give information and make the patient and their family understand cancer and the treatment that will be performed. Oncological nurses main duty is to properly take care and monitor the treatment of their patient.
Earnings and Job Outlook
Oncological nurses earn more than a simple registered nurse. Factors that determine their salary include, education, shift worked, work experience, place of employment, geographical location and nursing specialty. It is estimated that by 2050, elderly population will be doubled which will increase the demand for oncological nurses. Health organization will hire them too since they will be helpful in promoting cancer awareness and prevention.
Paula Hiz is a researcher and a human resource specialist who helps newly graduates, job applicants and post graduate professionals be aware of their job opportunities and available trainings for skills and practice upgrading.
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Word Count: 510 Date: Mon, 1 Nov 2010 Time: 5:53 AM
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