What does an oncology nurse do?
The oncology / haematology nurse needs to be competent in many areas including vascular access devices, venipuncture, intravenous cannulation, chemotherapy management and pain management. They also need to have the ability to successfully educate patients and families on the complex issues related to the cancer process and treatment procedures.

To succeed as a nurse in this field, you need to possess good communication skills, empathy and the ability to work both as a team member and autonomously.

Inpatient areas
Nurses working in this area look after patients who may be in protective isolation because their white cell count is very low. These patients will have an infection and will be on multiple antibiotics / antifungal agents via a vascular access device. Because of infection and a poor immune system, these patients are generally very sick and need lots of assistance and prompt action, even when subtle clinical changes occur. Blood products are often given daily to this group. The other patients may be inpatients for chemotherapy; pain management and/or palliative care requiring assessment; education and evaluation of their condition; or therapy.

Day therapy
Ambulatory patients attend on regular schedules for therapies including chemotherapy, supportive therapy, diagnostic procedures, vascular access maintenance, education and support.
Outpatients

Nurses working in outpatients departments mainly coordinate patients' appointments, including scheduling between different therapies a patient may be receiving, such as radiotherapy or surgery. Routine weights, dressings, suture removals, patient support and education are common but may be specific to particular clinics.

How do I become an oncology nurse?
To specialise in oncology / haematology nursing you need to complete a tertiary qualification to registered nurse level. You also need to have a sound knowledge of the principles of cancer care, chemotherapy management and patient education, as well gain practical skills in the use of technical equipment such as ambulatory pumps. This experience can be gained through employment in oncology/haematology work areas, as well as by the completion of further tertiary qualifications including postgraduate courses to doctorate level in oncology studies. For more information on postgraduate course availability in this area, click here to go to the further education section.

What career opportunities are available for oncology / haematology nurses?
Oncology / haematology nursing opportunities are vast:

Patient centred careers

• preventative medicine - public health / genetic counselling
• inpatient / ambulatory patient treatment centres
• radiation oncology
• bone marrow transplantation
• palliative care

Staff development careers

• staff education / hospital or tertiary based
• cancer research

Speciality areas

• apheresis / bone marrow transplantation
• outreach services Specialising in oncology / haematology also offers the opportunity to travel overseas as research, experience and networking in this field are well recognised worldwide.