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Oncology Nurse Specialist - Career Profile |
Career OverviewOncology Nurse Specialists are Clinical Nurse Specialists trained to specialize in the care and general supervision of cancer patients, primarily in hospitals. Most Oncology Nurse Specialists treat cancer patients whose conditions are either chronic or critical.
Their role is typically to provide primary care, monitoring the physical condition of their patients, prescribing medications, and developing symptom management strategies to improve the quality of life for the patients.
To facilitate patient comfort, Oncology Nurse Specialists may also work as educators, researchers, policy-makers, and administrators within hospital departments to facilitate the improvement of patient care and the education of family members, caregivers, and other hospital staff in the care of cancer patients.
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Career RequirementsOncology Nurse Specialists are required to train as Clinical Nursing Specialists prior to completing any advanced training in the field. They are required to have some advanced training in the nursing field. Most Clinical Nursing Specialists have advanced degrees. Approximately 93% of all CNSs have a Master's Degree or equivalent graduate certificate to compliment their training as an RN.
Oncology Nurse Specialists are required to have an active RN license and typically have a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing to have obtained this qualification.
Specialist training in oncology is a requirement for this profession, typically met by the practical experience of each candidate. Experience is focused on the general care of cancer patients in both in- and outpatient settings, as well as the education of patients, of families, and of other medical personnel in the care of cancer patients.
Some institutions offer specialist training programs and certification in oncology for nurses. More information about training programs and certification is available through the following organization:
Oncology Nursing Society
125 Enterprise Dr.,
Pittsburgh, PA 15275
www.ons.org
American Nurses Credentialing Center
600 Maryland Ave., SW, Suite 100 West
Washington, D.C. 20024-2571
(800) 284-2378
American Nurses' Association
8518 Georgia Ave.,
Ste. 400,
Silver Spring, MD 20910
www.nursingworld.org
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Job OutlookCancer is currently one of the most common diseases in the United States. Every year, thousands of new cases are discovered. Most cancer patients require dramatic treatments, often over long periods of time.
As a consequence, the specialist skills of Oncology Nurse Specialists are likely to remain an asset to the health care system and the medical community. The job outlook for Oncology Nurse Specialists is, and looks set to remain, positive.
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Career TrackSee Clinical Nurse Specialist
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CompensationSee Clinical Nurse Specialist
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