Oncology Nurse are care givers with dedication to work. The oncology nurse salary and benefits makes the time worth the effort. With a range of $46,395 – $88,878 and hourly rate of $22.28 – $41.89. The Salary median is $69,112, and one of the best in the nursing profession.
The oncology nurse salary is affected by geographical location, experience, level of education and type of employer. The job also requires dedication to duty, long hours of standing and stress, however the benefits are there. Perks and benefits enjoyed include medical insurance, paid vacation, 401(k), discounted training, relocation allowance and sometimes housing allowance.
Who is an Oncology Nurse?
An oncology nurse provides nursing care to patients with cancer and to those with an increased risk for developing cancer.
Practitioners in this field requires a master degree and certifications to practice as a oncology nurse, and each state has it on licensing agency.
Oncology Nurse Salary
The oncology nurse salary is between $46,395 – $88,878 and hourly rate of $22.28 – $41.89 based on national data average. The role of the oncology nurse is very important to their patient, and it requires optimism, compassion, dedication and time.
The salary may include juicy bonuses, perks and benefits, also oncology nurses working in the rural area earn more. The other factors include experience, skills, reputation and employers.
Oncology Nurse Job Description
The oncology nurse does the following task
- Evaluates oncology patients and plans, implements and documents nursing care.
- Assists physicians during examinations and procedures.
- Provides supportive care and administration of chemotherapy, blood components, fluid and electrolyte replacements, and other oncology treatments as prescribed.
- Requires an associate’s degree and is certified as a registered nurse.
- Familiar with standard concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field.
- Relies on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals.
- Performs a variety of tasks.
- A wide degree of creativity and latitude is expected.
- Typically reports to a manager or head of a unit/department.
The Oncology nurses assist in the design and implementation of treatment strategies, counsel on cancer prevention and educate on ways to live with cancer, maintain health records, administer medication, and assist in chemotherapy and other treatments
They also educate and take care of those patients who are high risk, or in remission from cancer. During this time nurses monitor conditions, track symptoms, prescribe medication and assist in radiation and chemotherapy treatments. This field of nursing can be very draining emotionally and physically, but is also recognized as one of the most rewarding jobs in the medical world. Tasks and patients will differ day by day making it less monotonous than other nursing positions
Oncology Nurse Training and Education
To practice and became an oncology nurse, you must have completed a 3-year diploma, 2-year Associate degree or a 4-year Bachelor of Science in nursing degree. Oncology nurses can study for a post-graduate degree, this may be a master’s degree with progression to nursing.
Experience in oncology nursing is important, also certification courses in NCLEX-RN national examination completed before practicing. The main certification is the Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN) but ONCC offers numerous oncology-related certifications, such as:
- Advanced Oncology Certified Clinical Nurse Specialist (AOCNS)
- Advanced Oncology Certified Nurse (AOCN)
- Advanced Oncology Certified Nurse Practitioner (AOCNP)