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Oncology nurses from Medical Trends allows you to target registered health professionals that provide care and support for patients diagnosed with cancer. These nurses are responsible for administering chemotherapy and managing symptoms related to cancer illnesses. Oncology nurses monitor patients' physical conditions, prescribe medication and formulate symptom management strategies.
Oncology Nurses work in many roles, including direct caregiver, coordinator, consultant, educator, researcher and administrator. An oncology nurse's job might involve providing education about cancer prevention and management to other medical professionals and the general public. A nurse may speak at public seminars or visit communities and schools to educate people about the risks, warning signs, and symptoms of cancer. Pediatric oncology nurses work with children who are suffering from cancer. Other oncology nurses choose to focus on specific types of cancers, specific treatments such as bone marrow transplants, or palliative care for people with terminal cancer. Oncology nurses perform many nursing and clinical tasks and often coordinate patient care and support patients and families. Nurses may check vital signs, administer medication and assist patients with common tasks such as eating and bathing. Oncology nurses can specialize in a type of cancer care, such as breast or pediatric cancer, or work in radiation oncology, which involves using targeted doses of radiation to help treat tumors. Most oncology nurses work in general hospitals, inpatient and outpatient cancer centers, home health care industries, and cancer research institutions, others work in medical offices, ambulatory care centers or provide home health care.
Oncology Nurses additional clinical responsibilities include occupational safety and health compliances: Dispose all supplies used for the administration of chemotherapy agents (e.g. sharps, biohazard waste bins), change linens, remove reusable equipment after cleaning and wipe down (clean) chairs, tables, and other room supplies. They are also required to complete documentation on medical forms, laboratory flow sheets, infusion flow sheets, and document all updated laboratory results for complete blood count, liver function, kidney (renal) function, tumor markers and drugs.
Oncology nursing must first obtain their license as a registered nurse (RN). RN training may be obtained as part of a four-year bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree program, through a two-year associate of nursing program or through a diploma program offered through some medical facilities. In order to become certified as an Oncology Certified Nurse (ONC), a registered nurse must have at least one year of registered nursing experience, at least 1,000 hours of practice in adult oncology nursing, at least ten contact hours of accredited oncology nursing continuing education and they must pass the appropriate test administered by the Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation.
Continuing education for established oncology nurses is essential to make sure they stay up to date on cancer research, counseling methods, and medical technology. Many hospitals offer regular continuing education courses for their nursing staff. Many oncology nurses choose to pursue master's degrees in nursing in order to advance their careers. Additionally, some nurses achieve doctoral degrees in order to become oncology physicians or surgeons.
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