Chemotherapy Nursing
Nurses who administer chemotherapy are often regarded as oncology nurses. These nurses generally have a registered nurse license and may also have a oncology nursing certification. Some nurses may administer chemotherapy to patients without a doctor present, but this depends on several factors, including whether Medicare covers any of the patient's costs and what each state nursing board requires.
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Background
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Oncology nurses help care for and treat cancer patients. Many of them work in general hospitals, but many of them also work in medical offices, ambulatory care centers and in home health, according to Nurse.com. Oncology nurses care for patients of all ages, though some may further specialize and work with children. They also work with patients with all stages of cancer. As such, oncology nurses need to be able to cope well with the potential of patient death.
Scope of Practice
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The scope of practice for oncology nurses is seen through what oncology nurses are expected to know. According to the Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation (ONCC), oncology nurses should be well-versed in the promotion of health and the prevention of cancer, appropriate screening procedures and early detection and diagnosis. Oncology nurses must also understand the science behind the practice, the modalities of cancer treatment and symptom management, the psychosocial aspects of cancer treatment, cancer emergencies, and even end-of-life care.
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Chemotherapy
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According to the American Cancer Society (ASC), chemotherapy is a specific drug used to treat cancer in patients. As a nurse administering chemotherapy, you may be giving patients chemotherapy orally through either a pill or a liquid. Many patients often take this form of chemotherapy at home, though. Another option is to give a patient a chemotherapy shot. As of June 2010, the most common way to administer chemotherapy is intravenously through an IV.
Certification
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If you're interested in working in oncology as a nurse, attaining certification in the field will a great way to distinguish yourself from other nurses and to ensure that you know the required oncology skills. The ONCC offers a credential that covers the scope of practice for oncology nurses. To be eligible for this certification, you must possess a current registered nurse license, have one year of experience as a nurse with 1,000 hours in oncology and 10 oncology continuing education hours.
Salary Potential
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There is a wide range in salaries for nurses focusing in oncology. Like most careers, oncology nurses with the most experience generally have some of the highest salaries. Oncology nurses, however, also may have some of the lowest. According to PayScale.com, those with 20-plus years of experience have a salary range of $45,200 to $80,700 as of June 2010. Those with one to four years of experience report a salary range of $49,100 to $70,000.
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References
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- Photo Credit patient"s arm prepped for iv drip image by nextrecord from Fotolia.com
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Comments
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thzz z realy v important thnig n must be known to every one.
