Oncology employs nurses who specialize in a variety of caregiving roles.
Nurses who care for cancer patients are called oncology nurses. These specialized nurses serve as primary caregivers for patients being treated for various cancers as well as those in recovery. Oncology nurses work under the supervision of the physicians responsible for maintaining the patient's treatment plan. After completing an accredited college program and obtaining a license as a Registered Nurse (RN), nurses aspiring to work in oncology have several training options that prepare them for their area of specialization.
Oncology Care Nurse (OCN)
The Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation (ONCC) outlines specific eligibility criteria for nurses interested in caring for adult cancer patients. Nurses must have an active RN license without any restrictions imposed. They must complete one full year's worth of work experience as an RN three months before applying to become an OCN. Additionally, candidates must complete at least 1,000 hours of work experience in an adult oncology nursing facility 30 months before applying. Candidates must also possess at least 10 contact hours of continuing education specializing in oncology nursing from an accredited college within the last three years. After satisfying these requirements, nurses can apply for certification through the ONCC, which depends on successful completion of an exam.
Certified Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Nurse (CPHON)
Nurses wishing to practice medicine in pediatric oncology must complete at least one full year working as an RN three years before applying for certification from the ONCC. They must also complete at least 1,000 hours working in a pediatric oncology or hematology nursing facility 30 months before applying for CPHON certification. Candidates must complete 10 contact hours of continuing education from an accredited institution. This education must specialize in oncology nursing and be completed three years prior to application. Only after satisfying these requirements can nurses apply for CPHON certification from the ONCC by taking the appropriate exam.
Oncology Clinical Nurse Specialist (AOCNS)
The ONCC requires that nurses wishing to obtain certification as oncology nurse practitioners must possess a current RN license when applying. Unlike OCN and CPHON candidates, AOCNS candidates must possess a master's degree in nursing from an accredited college, in addition to at least 500 hours of work experience in a supervised clinical practice. Nurses must have operated in an advanced practice role in adult oncology nursing for work experience to count towards eligibility and before the exam can be taken.
Oncology Nurse Practitioner (AOCNP)
The ONCC requires that nurses wishing to obtain AOCNP certification must possess their RN license when taking the exam. Along with a master's degree in nursing, candidates must also have successfully completed a nurse practitioner program from an accredited institution. Additionally, candidates must complete at least 500 hours of work experience as a nurse practitioner in adult oncology in a supervised clinical practice. Work experience may have been completed as part of the nurse practitioner program or after graduation.
Certified Breast Care Nurse (CBCN)
Nurses wishing to work as breast care nurses must fulfill the requirements determined by the ONCC. Before taking the test, applicants must possess an RN license and at least one full year of experience working as an RN three months prior to applying for certification. Candidates must have completed at least 1,000 hours of work experience in a facility specializing in breast care nursing three years before writing the exam. The ONCC also requires that candidates complete at least 10 contact hours of continuing education specializing in breast care nursing. This requirement must be completed three months before nurses apply for certification as CBCNs.
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