Travel Oncology Nurse Jobs

The agencies on Vivian that currently have the most Oncology Nurse jobs are TotalMed Staffing (221), Aequor Healthcare (165), and MedPro Healthcare Staffing (151).

An oncology nurse is a registered nurse who specializes in the treatment of cancer patients. Oncology nurses, also called hematology/oncology nurses, care for patients of all ages who have been diagnosed with cancer and help them navigate complex treatment protocols and manage cancer symptoms and cancer treatment side effects. Oncology is a challenging, yet rewarding, field that offers career-long learning and professional growth.

Oncology nurses work within an interdisciplinary team to provide curative and palliative treatments for all types of cancers and blood disorders, along with the appropriate interventions. They devise and implement care plans to reach determined goals and provide the best outcomes. They administer chemotherapy, medications, and IVs through various methods. A primary responsibility is patient monitoring and assessment, including before and after chemotherapy and assessing complications from treatment to manage immediate and long-term side effects. They also educate, counsel, and support patients and their families regarding their ongoing care and emotional states.

Oncology nurses may work at midsize to large hospitals that have oncology departments. They may also work at dedicated cancer treatment centers or ambulatory clinics that provide cancer treatments.

Oncology nurses must have in-depth knowledge of all types of cancers and the expected side effects of all types of cancer treatments. They must possess advanced clinical skills to treat various cancers and manage complications that arise from treatment. Top skills for a good oncology nurse often involve interpersonal and other soft skills, which include active listening skills to ensure patients understand their disease, treatment options, and potential outcomes. 

To become an oncology travel nurse, applicants must first earn an ADN or a BSM from an accredited nursing program. Upon graduation, they must take and pass the NCLEX-RN licensing exam and complete Basic Life Support certification. Some facilities may also require Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support certification. They can also demonstrate advanced knowledge in oncology with Oncology Certified Nurse and Advanced Oncology Certified Nurse designations through the Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation can expand career opportunities. Transitioning to travel oncology nursing also often requires two years of recent experience.

Oncology nurses may hold BLS - Basic Life Support, ACLS - Advanced Cardiac Life Support, OCN - Oncology Certified Nurse or AOCN - Advanced Oncology Certified Nurse among others.