Cancer Care Nursing Oncology nurses are in demand more than ever. It takes specialized training to work as an oncology nurse; the degree of training depends on the areas of specialties you plan to work in. The Role of an Oncology Nurse Being diagnosed with cancer is certainly a terrifying and life-changing experience. The impact of cancer on one's life is often the most traumatic event someone has experienced. Some patients under treatment continue to work or care for their families, facing life, using available resources. It is the nurse that provides care to the patient, and education to the patient and family of the patient. The nurse may try to reduce anxiety and improve the patient's ability to cope. The nurse will assess the patient often and determine needs and overall condition. Oncology nurses play a significant part in the health care team, as they work in all aspects of cancer care. Oncology nurses integrate their technicalskills, scientific knowledge, and caring attitude to aid those living withcancer, including their families – starting from diagnosis, treatment, thensurvivorship to end-of-life care. It can be difficult to care for a patient for a prolonged period of time, and see them through the end of life stage; however, as an oncology nurse it is assumed you are prepared to take on whatever role is necessary for the patient. Related: Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) A Day as an Oncology Nurse 6:45 a.m. is when Leah starts her shift at a large hospital, on the cancer care floor. Her first patient of the day was a regular patient that had been admitted several times while under-going treatment. On this occasion, the patient's hemoglobin was low, most likely from chemotherapy treatments. This patient was always in good spirits, and was battling breast cancer, however she had the drive and determination to beat the cancer once and for all. The second patient was an eighteen-year-old young man with testicular cancer. He was struggling with why he had cancer at such a young age, and the embarrassment of the treatments. Leah worked extra with him to help boost his morale, she had a son, his age, and she felt very bad for this particular patient. Her third patient was a 77-year-old man with pancreatic cancer. He would soon be transferred to a hospice facility; prior treatments had failed and he opted to receive no more. The fourth and last patient of the day was being admitted, and was suffering from a rare form of bone cancer. As Leah cared for her patients on this day, she put her all into
caring for each one, doing what she could to ensure they were comfortable. An hour prior to the patient with pancreatic cancer being transferred, he passed away. Leah had to make calls to inform his family, and although it was not unexpected, giving and hearing that news is never easy. Leah composed herself; she always needed a moment to do so after losing a patient. Before her shift was over she had a new patient that had undergone surgery to remove a tumor in the rectum. Leah checked on all of her patients prior to the end of her shift, and then left for the day, only to return 12 hours later. Related: Patients with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Oncology nurses need special training; however, there are a variety of other attributes that a successful oncology nurse must possess. A positive attitude can help patients feel better, and can lighten the mood in what is often a gloomy setting. Oncology nurses must be able to recognize changes in their patients, and know when to react and contact the attending physician. Most cancer care nurses specialize either in adults or pediatrics, it's rare to treat all ages, children have pediatric oncologists with their own nurses to treat younger patients. Registered nurses that want to move into the specialty field of oncology should check continuing education classes that are available online or locally. This specialized field is in demand; so many hospitals will cover the cost of specialized trainings. It can be sad at times working in the field of oncology, but with the advances in cancer care and treatment, more and more patients become former patients as they walk out of the hospital doors. Related: Exceptional Licensed Practical Nurse, Henrietta Okwuchi Nwamadi, LPN, will be Noted in the Worldwide Leaders in Healthcare Please follow us on Facebook, Linkedin, Pinterest, Twitter