Are you considering becoming a Onc Nurse but unsure exactly what is entails? Let’s dive in to figure out if Onc nursing is right for you!
What is Onc Nursing?
Onc stands for Oncology Nursing. These nurses work both inpatient and outpatient, meaning both in and out of the hospital. For Onc nurses working in the hospital, they are typically going to be on a special oncology unit where all their patients have some type of cancer and are additionally requiring hospitalization. This can be either due to their cancer diagnosis, maybe they are in pain and needing IV pain medications, or another reason, such as a diabetic episode, but they are in need of oncologic treatment. Oncology nurses who work in the outpatient setting, at a clinic or doctors’ office, will see patients who have cancer but are otherwise healthy. Meaning they need treatment but do not require hospitalization.
Patient Load
As an inpatient Oncology Nurse in California, you can take up to 4 patients at once. Patients on an oncology floor are going to vary in their independence level, meaning some might be ambulatory (able to walk) and some might not be. If you have an oncology patient that requires more care, then the ratio may come down to one nurse to maybe 2 or 3 patients, it just depends on the necessary level of care for each patient.
Onc Nurse Job Description
For each of your patients, you are going to be responsible for performing a head-to-toe assessment and administering both oncologic medications as well as other medications. With oncologic medications, the nurse must be aware of specific carcinogenic medications and wear the proper PPE, aka Personal Protective Equipment, when administering these medications to protect themselves. As an oncology nurse you will be monitoring vital signs, predicting patient outcomes, and anticipating the need for potential PRN (as needed) medications, such as Zofran, an antiemetic drug used to prevent nausea and vomiting.
Onc Nurse Skills
Some skills that oncology nurses must know are IV insertion and care, and central line care. Oncology patients will often need specific nutritional considerations, so these nurses must be able to insert and care for NG tubes as well as understand and administer both TPN (Total Parenteral Nutrition) and PPN (Partial Parenteral Nutrition). These nurses are also highly skilled at providing education for both the patient and the family on their disease, advance directives, and the death and dying process.
Onc Nurse Salary
Oncology Nurses pay varies by state, location, and hospital. According to ZipRecruiter, oncology nurses in California on average make about $45 per hour, equating to $94,076 per year. Nationally, oncology nurses make about $80,271 per year.
So, What Makes a Good Oncology Nurse?
A good oncology nurse is someone who is empathetic to what their patient and the patients’ family is going through. They must have a calm demeaner and know when to encourage their patients and when to have difficult talks about death and dying. Oncology nurses are able to discuss patient wishes with both the patient and their family to determine a plan for when the time comes. Oncology nurses are extremely sensitive to their patients’ needs and will always have their best interest at heart.
Want to Know More…?
Are you interested in learning more about Oncology Nursing? Head on over to the Specialty Nurse Interview Series to Meet Allison, an Oncology Nurse!
Do you want to be an Oncology Nurse? Comment below!
Trying to get a job? Check out the Landing Your Dream Job Series!
Looking into other nursing specialties? Follow along with the Specialty Nursing Series and the Specialty Nurse Interview Series!
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