Oncology Nursing
Oncology nurses care for patients that are diagnosed with cancer. They help their patients treat their illnesses by administering chemotherapy or radiation that is ordered by an oncologist. Oncology nursing is a career that helps many but is also a job that can be very stressful for the nurse due to the terminal nature of many of the patients' illnesses.
Nurses that specialize in oncology are in greater demand than they ever were before. Because of advances in cancer treatments, their patients are surviving illnesses that would have proved fatal not that long ago. Oncology nurses are experts in the treatment of cancer. They educate patients and their family members on preventative care. They coordinate treatments for their patients. Oncology nurses are responsible for reporting the patient's condition to the physician. The administration of chemotherapy and radiation treatments is also often the job of these specially trained nurses. Having a diagnosis of cancer is a scary prospect for patients and their families. They often rely on oncology nurses to alleviate their fears and address their concerns about the disease process and side effects of treatment.
Oncology nurses are one group of nurses who are not limited in the areas where they practice. Since cancer is a problem not limited to any specific geographical region, they are able to find jobs in all parts of the country. They can be employed by hospitals, cancer institutes, private practices, hospices, and extended care facilities. There is also a need for experts in cancer care in public or community health to focus on primary prevention and early detection of cancer. Some oncology nurses specialize in pharmaceuticals and educate other health care specialists about new medications. Home care is another arena that requires competent oncology nurses; many patients receive treatments as outpatients and need follow up care in their home. Advanced training is also available to oncology nurses who wish to receive a master's degree in nursing. Advance practice nurses who specialize in oncology assist physicians in the early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of various types of cancers.
Education is so important in cancer care that the nurse is quickly recognized by the patient and his or her family as a valuable partner in their care. The oncology nurse, perhaps more than other health care providers, has the unique opportunity to build a strong rapport with the patient. She has the ability to assist the patient in the development of coping mechanisms and become mentally able to deal with what can often be a poor prognosis. She can help the patient and family members adjust to the short- and long-term side effects of both cancer and cancer treatments. Oncology nurses also play an important role in the management of pain that is often associated with cancer; the nurse is a liaison between the patient and physician and ideally helps the patient with adequate pain control.
Cancer is a scary diagnosis for anyone. Fortunately for patients, there are specially trained oncology nurses that can help throughout their illness and treatment with understanding what is happening to their bodies. Oncology nurses are great advocates for their patients and assist them through this difficult time.
Published: 2009-11-03
