| Registered nurses often choose to specialize in | | | | This is a field that is in demand. With the baby |
| specific areas of medicine. One such area is oncology | | | | boomer generation growing older, there will be more |
| - the branch of medicine that works with cancer | | | | incidence of cancer in the population. Specially trained |
| patients. Nurses who are trained in oncology can | | | | nurses will be needed to keep up with the demand |
| participate in a variety of procedures. | | | | of patient needs. |
| Responsibilities of oncology nurses include | | | | With an OCN, you'll be able to work in a hospital |
| administering chemotherapy, caring for patients | | | | setting, private doctor's office, cancer treatment |
| who've been treated with radiation, and working in | | | | center, or hospice. You'll be more attractive to these |
| other areas of cancer treatment. As you can imagine, | | | | employers when you've achieved certification in |
| oncology nursing requires the ability to provide | | | | oncology. Financially, you'll also be compensated. |
| comfort emotionally as well as physically. You'll often | | | | Nurses who are certified in oncology can command a |
| be working with peoplewho have life-limiting illness | | | | higher salary than those who aren't. |
| and are dealing with the emotional issues that | | | | Certification also prepares you to be a competent |
| surround their illness. You'll also need to be able to | | | | professional. You'll receive more training and education |
| deal with issues around death and grieving. | | | | than those who aren't certified. You can get more |
| In order to become a certified oncology nurse or | | | | information about the Oncology Certificate in Nursing |
| OCN, you'll have to meet several requirements once | | | | with the certification agency online or through many |
| you've become a registered nurse. You'll have to | | | | specialty websites. |
| work for at least one year as an RN. In addition, | | | | Becoming an advanced practice nurse in the field of |
| you'll have to log 1,000 hours in an oncology setting | | | | oncology can be very rewarding. As you comfort and |
| within three years prior to applying for your | | | | care for your patients you'll enjoy the satisfaction of |
| certificate. | | | | knowing that you're making a real difference in the |
| You'll also have to take 10 hours of continuing | | | | life of someone who's dealing with a serious illness. It |
| education in oncology. Finally you'll have to take an | | | | takes a special person to be an oncology nurse, but |
| exam in oncology nursing before you can be certified. | | | | if you have what it takes, what are you waiting for? |
| Once you earn your OCN, you'll have to continue to | | | | Find out what you need to do to achieve this |
| take education courses to keep it. | | | | credential and get started in a rewarding profession. |