Oncology Nursing Specialist
Oncology nurses collaborate with all members of the
cancer treatment teams to provide optimal management of patients with cancer. They work primarily in hospitals to provide and supervise care for
cancer patients who are either chronically or critically ill. The work of oncology nurses may include monitoring their patients' physical conditions, prescribed medication, formulating symptom management strategies, and administering
chemotherapy treatment (1, 2). Oncology nurses are also involved in cancer-related education, as well as counseling activities for cancer prevention, screening and detection (1).
In 1985, the Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) established the Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation to provide for the formal certification of oncology nurses. Nurses who pass the examination and gain certification can use the OCN (Oncology Certified Nurse) credential with their name (1).