Specialized Education Oncology nurses have special training in the care of cancer patients within the hospital, ambulatory care center, at home or in special facilities such as radiation therapy units. Oncology nurses build on their basic nursing and medical knowledge with additional training in:
• Giving chemotherapy and managing side effects such as nausea, vomiting and hair loss.
• Controlling cancer pain.
• Managing cancer emergencies.
• Providing emotional support to patients and their loved ones.
• Postoperative care.
• Care and teaching of long-term intravenous (IV) devices such as Hickman catheters, Groshong catheters and
ports.
• Participation in clinical research teams or independent nursing research.
• Managing new technology and treatments—such as bone marrow transplants or biological therapies—as they
evolve.
Nurses can also develop their knowledge in several subspecialties such as radiation oncology, surgical oncology, medical oncology, palliative (comfort) care, cancer prevention and early detection, in-patient nursing, hospice , home care, patient education, research, and ambulatory and office nursing. Some nurses, particularly in large regional cancer centers, may develop an even more specific area of interest such as breast cancer, immunotherapy or pain control.
