A New Career in Medical Oncology Nursing
Medical oncology nursing is a career that allows the individual to benefit from the latest treatments available for patients with cancer. A student who pursues a career in this type of nursing will learn how to diagnose, treat, and prevent various cancers. The assignment schedule varies depending on the program but most will consist of one to four week rotations. These rotations can be located around the world and allow students to travel and experience life on the job. There are many benefits of pursuing a medical oncology nursing career.
The first benefit is that medical oncology nursing assignments are challenging but fun work. Students get to assist in medical research, administer medication, apply surgical techniques, treat patients, and monitor their progress throughout the course of treatment. The challenges are designed to foster learning, patience, leadership qualities, as well as basic skills. Each assignment will be reviewed and students are expected to implement the lessons learned into their clinical practice. As part of their studies, students will also complete related tasks such as communicating effectively with patients, making decisions based on the patient’s overall needs, documenting medical information, and following doctor’s directives.
Second, the field of medical oncology nursing offers a wide variety of specialties. Some include Pediatric, Military, and Critical Care. Students can also choose to specialize in a particular medical areas such as women’s health, children’s health, prostate cancer, and pulmonary disease. Courses in these areas will prepare students to handle jobs in various hospitals and medical settings, as well as in research facilities. The more specialized a student chooses to become, the more opportunities will be available in their employment.
Third, the career in medical oncology nursing involves both hands-on and classroom work. In the clinical setting, students will complete internships or work under the supervision of a registered nurse. The internships will help them get experience in one particular aspect of medical care, such as surgery, trauma, or infectious disease management. Once the student has completed an internship, the student will need to pass a national exam, known as the NCLEX-RN, which qualifies students to sit for the licensing exam.
Fourth, the course work in medical oncology nursing will include courses that directly help prepare students for a career in surgery. For example, students will learn anatomy, and how the body is put together. They will learn about endometrial abnormalities and infertility treatments. They will also learn about lung disorders, cardiac problems, and internal disorders affecting the lymphatic system, as well as learning how to administer treatments to patients in surgery. These courses will also include laboratory activities, such as enzyme kinetics and immunoassays.
Lastly, medical oncology nursing will teach students skills that they will need to succeed in their future careers. For example, medical oncology nurses will need to know how to access patients records, as well as writing reports for their clinical team, keeping track of patient demographics and vital signs. The students will also learn how to use medical imaging tools, as well as medical laboratory procedures. In addition, the students will learn how to perform physical exams and diagnostic tests.
Students will be able to complete their degree in less than two years, depending on the number of units that they take each semester. They will complete coursework in subjects such as medical terminology, basic sciences, biology, nutrition, statistics, and medical law. This is a great this content choice for students who are majoring in other medical fields, because many of the required books for medical oncology are not required to be read in medical school. For students who prefer to major in a different area of medical care, the program can fulfill their medical field requirements in about six months. This shorter program will allow more time to focus on building career skills and learning about a new field of medicine.
Medical oncology nursing is ideal for those who want to help people and improve the quality of their lives. Although medical oncology nursing is not the only nursing program available, it is one of the most popular programs for those looking to enter the medical field. Those who are already trained in other medical fields may wish to continue their education and pursue a career in medical oncology nursing.