An inpatient oncology unit is a specialized medical facility that provides care for individuals with cancer. Patients may be newly diagnosed and in shock, hospitalized for chemotherapy or chemotherapy side effects, or receiving treatment at an outpatient clinic. The oncology team is made up of several different medical and health professionals who work together to diagnose and treat cancer. The roles of the cancer nurse can range from specializing in bone marrow transplants to focusing on cancer screening, prevention, and education in the community.
At an outpatient clinic, patients may meet with an oncologist, a doctor who specializes in the study, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer. Oncology nurses must make an emphatic effort to ensure that the patient understands what is happening to their health. They can help ease patients' pain and nausea and help implement the best treatment plan for the patient. Oncology nurses working in a hospital typically work 12-hour shifts with fewer “on” days to balance it out.
They play a key role in helping patients and caregivers overcome the disease, often forming lasting bonds that continue for years after the last treatment. Nurses can also gain experience in an oncology floor as a certified nursing assistant before or during nursing school. The pathologist will determine the results of the tests, provide the final diagnosis of the cancer, and work directly with the oncologists. The palliative care team works closely with other members of the oncology team to prevent and treat the symptoms and side effects of cancer and its treatment.
Oncology nurses are specially trained through the Oncology Nursing Society to have the knowledge and experience in caring for patients who experience complex problems associated with cancer. Ultimately, the oncologist wants to provide patients with the right resources and treatments to overcome the disease and enjoy a successful recovery. Oncology nurses are often the ones who provide consistent information and guidance throughout the treatment plan.
