Oncology Nursing Coastal Carolina Chapter Oncology Nursing Society

Objectives Why should I consider nursing as a career? What do nurses do? What is an oncology nurse? What do oncology nurses do? How can I grow as a nurse?

Why consider a career in nursing… Job Opportunities Options Benefits Flexibility

Job opportunities

Options

Benefits

Flexibility Flexible Career Over 100 areas to specialize in Flexible Schedule Find a job that works for your schedule Flexible Locations The need for nurses is global

What do nurses do? Record patients medical histories and symptoms Administer patients’ medications and treatments Set up plans for patients’ care or contribute to existing plans Observe patients and record the observations Consult and collaborate with doctors and other healthcare professionals Operate and monitor medical equipment Teach patients and their families how to manage illnesses or injuries Advocate for patients and families

A career in nursing… Nursing is a career filled with endless personal and professional rewards. If you choose nursing, you are choosing to spend your life helping others, using skills that blend scientific knowledge with compassion and caring. There are few professions that offer such a rewarding combination of high tech and high touch.

Oncology Nursing: Background Oncology Nurse: A nurse who specializes in the care of cancer patients. Prior to 1950, surgery was the major treatment for cancer, limiting the role of nurses in cancer care. Starting in 1970s, oncology nursing emerged in a response to a shift in healthcare to a focus on the prevention and early detection of cancer. Over the years, oncology nursing has continued to expand as a result of recognition of cancer as a major chronic health problem.

Oncology Nursing: Roles Direct caregiver Educator Consultant Administrator Researcher

Oncology Nursing: Specialties Chemotherapy Breast cancer Radiation Genetics counseling Symptom management Prevention/early detection Clinical Research Biotherapy Hematology Surgery Bone marrow transplant Palliative care Head and neck cancer Nurse Practitioner

Oncology Nursing: What does it take? Knowledge Critical Thinking Technical skills Psychosocial skills Compassion Empathy Self-care Life-long learning Accepting of changes

What makes oncology nursing special? Very rewarding career Ability to make a difference every day Helping patients when they need the most help On the forefront of exciting new scientific discoveries The patient will go through their cancer journey with or without us…but we have the privilege of making it a more positive experience.

How can I grow as a nurse through professional organizations? Opportunities to connect with peers in your specialty Share best practices Learn new trends, education and technical advances Networking opportunities Connect with nurses with different experience levels Encouragement to pursue education/certifications

Oncology Nursing Society Association of more than 35,000 members Committed to promoting excellence in oncology nursing and the transformation of cancer care Free for students working toward their RN Member benefits: Certification and education discounts Networking Subscriptions to two oncology publications

Questions?

Sources Discover Nursing Oncology Nursing Society US Bureau of Labor Statistics