How to Find a Job in Oncology Nursing or Radiation Nursing
Radiation oncology nurses care for patients undergoing diagnostic radiation procedures and radiation therapy for cancer diagnoses. Mostly, these nurses work in a hospital setting, although some are employed by outpatient cancer treatment centers, or in private homes. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 22 percent employment growth for all nurses from 2008-2018; 17 percent growth for nurses that work in hospitals. There is no specific projection for radiation oncology nurses.
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Instructions
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The Job Search
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Graduate college with a bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN), or an associate's degree in nursing (ADN).
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2
Research what area of the country you wish to work. Pass the nursing licensing exam in that state.
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3
Perform an Internet search to determine whether there are any hospitals that treat cancer patients in the area that you have chosen. Look up the websites of the hospitals and cancer treatment centers that meet your search criteria. See if they have any radiation oncology nursing positions listed online.
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4
Search Internet nursing job websites with "radiation oncology nurse" and your city as search terms. Nursingjobs.org is a good place to start.
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5
Visit the employment office of hospital or cancer centers in your chosen area with your resume in hand. Ask if they have any radiation oncology nursing positions open. Fill out a job application if they do. Drop off a copy of your resume in any case.
Additional Job Sources
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Contact nursing recruitment agencies such as NurseFinders.com.
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Talk to people in your professional network to develop job leads.
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Ask for help at your college or university's career center. Most colleges have a database of current job openings.
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Tips & Warnings
For those with prior radiation oncology nursing experience, you can take a certification exam such as the OCN (Oncology Certified Nurse) to enhance your employment options. Another option is graduate nursing study. An advanced degree can lead to a position as a clinical nurse specialist in the radiation department of a hospital, or a radiation oncology/gerontology nurse practitioner.
References
Resources
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