What makes a good pediatric oncology nurse?

It is a profession that demands broad knowledge (art and science of nursing), strong critical thinking/problem solving/decision making skills, and a high degree of compassion and sensitivity for children, adolescents, young adults, their families and their community.

What is a pediatric cancer nurse called?

A pediatric oncology nurse is a member of a team that also includes family members, other caregivers and professionals such as oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, pharmacists, medical social workers, and other ancillary medical personnel.

Is being a pediatric oncology nurse stressful?

While practicing in the specialty of pediatric oncology is a rewarding profession, it is also inherently stressful (Campos de Carvalho, Muller, Bachion de Carvalho, & de Souza, 2005; Cantrell, 2007; Hecktman, 2012; Meadors & Lamson, 2008).

What does a pediatric oncology nurse do?

The pediatric oncology nurse—a highly specialized and sensitive role—delivers care to those pediatric patients who are receiving cancer treatment. Specific responsibilities include preparing patients for chemotherapy, administering palliative treatment, and collaborating with other members of the health care team.

What’s it like being a pediatric oncology nurse?

Pediatric oncology nurses are passionate about their work, promoting excellence and high quality care. They are knowledgeable about the diagnosis, treatment, side effects and complications of therapy, and are highly skilled in the delivery of chemotherapy and biotherapy.

How long does it take to be a pediatric oncology nurse?

Pediatric Oncology Nursing Certification Certification candidates must be licensed RNs and have at least one year of experience and ten hours of approved continuing nursing education in oncology within the last three years.

Is it hard to be an oncology nurse?

Oncology nursing is a unique blend of some of the most challenging emotional and complicated cases you might find in the hospital. If your heart goes out to oncology patients and you want to be there during some of their most difficult moments, oncology might be the right specialty for you.

Are oncology nurses in demand?

As the risk for many cancers increases with age, the demand for oncology nurses will likely increase in areas such as screening and prevention, health status monitoring, symptom management, direct nursing care, and patient/family/caregiver education.

Is Oncology Nursing hard?

Can a nurse specialize in oncology?

Oncology nurses most often work in hospitals, but they can also be employed by home care organizations, specialty medical centers and ambulatory centers. Despite the difficult nature of the work, many nurses find a career in oncology to be especially rewarding.

Is being an oncology nurse depressing?

In study findings published in conjunction with the 2018 American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting, researchers reported the rates of depression and anxiety among nurses working in oncology units and how certain situations related to these rates.