How to Be Oncology Nurse Practitioner - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Mar 3, 2021 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Oncology Nurse Practitioners (ONPs) play an instrumental role in helping cancer patients manage their diagnosis and treatment. ONPs are responsible for the assessment and management of cancer-related symptoms and side effects, providing education and psychosocial support to patients and their families, and referring patients to other healthcare providers as needed. This can include providing chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy, and other treatments.

As a result, ONPs can positively affect a patients overall quality of life and outcomes of their cancer treatment. ONPs are also involved in research and quality improvement initiatives, helping to advance the field of oncology and improve patient care. they are often the primary point of contact for patients when coordinating their care with other providers such as physicians, pharmacists, and social workers.

This means that ONPs are essential to the overall well-being of patients with cancer.

Steps How to Become

Earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Degree. To become an Oncology Nurse Practitioner (ONP), you must first earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. This is a four-year program that includes courses in anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, and clinical nursing.
Become Licensed as a Registered Nurse (RN). After completing your BSN, you must become licensed as a Registered Nurse (RN). This requires passing the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).
Obtain Work Experience. Before enrolling in an ONP program, you should have at least one year of experience as an RN. This will ensure that you have the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in an ONP program.
Earn a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Degree. To become an ONP, you must earn a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree with a focus on oncology. This usually takes two to three years to complete and includes courses such as advanced pharmacology, advanced health assessment, and oncology nursing.
Become Certified as an Oncology Nurse Practitioner. After completing your MSN, you must become certified as an Oncology Nurse Practitioner by passing the Oncology Certified Nurse Practitioner Exam from either the American Nurses Credentialing Center or the Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation.
Obtain a State Licensure. Finally, you must obtain a state license to practice as an ONP. Each state has its own licensing requirements, so you should check with your state board of nursing for more information.

Oncology nurse practitioners need to stay current and capable to provide the highest level of care for their patients. They can do this by staying up-to-date on the latest research and treatments, attending continuing education courses, and regularly consulting with colleagues and other health care professionals. they should take advantage of professional organizations, such as the Oncology Nursing Society, to learn the latest best practices and stay abreast of changing regulations.

Lastly, they should ensure they have a robust knowledge base by reading professional journals and participating in conferences. By implementing these strategies, oncology nurse practitioners can ensure they remain knowledgeable and capable in their field.

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Job Description

Provide direct patient care, including diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment of cancer patients in collaboration with a multidisciplinary team.
Develop individualized plans of care based upon evidence-based practice guidelines and protocols.
Perform physical exams and assessments and order lab tests, imaging studies, and other diagnostic procedures to aid in diagnosis and treatment.
Monitor patient progress and adjust treatment plans as needed.
Educate patients and families on disease processes, treatment plans, medications, and lifestyle modifications.
Provide emotional support to patients and their families during difficult times.
Collaborate with physicians, medical staff, and other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive patient care.
Keep up to date on advances in oncology treatments and technologies.
Advocate for patient rights and ensure ethical treatment of all patients.
Participate in research projects and clinical trials as needed.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Expertise in diagnosing, treating, and managing cancer
Comprehensive knowledge of chemotherapeutic agents and other treatments for cancer
Ability to collaborate with physicians and other healthcare team members
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Ability to provide patient education and emotional support
Knowledge of symptom management and end-of-life care
Understanding of research principles and methods
Experience with cancer screening, assessment, and risk management
Knowledge of cancer pathology and staging
Proficiency in documenting patient care for billing and medical records

Oncology Nurse Practitioners (ONPs) play a critical role in providing quality care to cancer patients. The most important skill they need to possess is the ability to provide compassionate and empathetic care. This means being able to understand the patients physical, emotional and psychological needs and addressing them accordingly.

ONPs must also have a thorough understanding of cancer diagnosis, treatment and management. They must be able to accurately diagnose and treat cancer, provide patient education and support, and coordinate care with other healthcare professionals. Furthermore, good communication skills are essential for ONPs, as they need to be able to communicate effectively with patients and their families, as well as with other healthcare professionals.

Finally, due to the complexity of cancer treatments, ONPs must have strong critical thinking skills and be able to quickly assess and evaluate patient situations to make informed decisions. Having these skills enables ONPs to provide the best possible care for their patients, which can lead to positive clinical outcomes for the patient.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What motivated you to pursue a career in oncology nursing?
Describe your experience with providing patient education to cancer patients and families.
How do you prioritize tasks and manage time effectively?
What strategies do you use to help patients cope with the emotional and physical effects of their diagnosis?
What strategies have you implemented in order to improve patient outcomes?
What do you consider to be the most important qualities of an oncology nurse practitioner?
How would you handle a difficult situation involving a patient or family member?
How have you incorporated evidence-based practice into your work?
What do you believe is the most important role of an oncology nurse practitioner?
What do you think are the biggest challenges facing oncology nurses today?

Common Tools in Industry

Electronic Health Records (EHR). An electronic system for storing and managing patient health information, such as medical histories, diagnoses, medications, treatments, and lab results. (e. g. Epic, Cerner)
Clinical Decision Support System (CDSS). A computer-based system that uses evidence-based medicine to provide healthcare professionals with clinical decision support at the point of care. (e. g. UpToDate, Dynamed)
Clinical Trial Management System (CTMS). Software used to manage the administrative, financial, and operational aspects of clinical trials. (e. g. Medidata Rave, Oracle Health Sciences)
Clinical Pathway Software. A software system designed to provide clinicians with a structured approach to patient care by providing step-by-step instructions on diagnosis and treatment. (e. g. OncoPathways, OncoLink Pathways)
Disease Management Software. A software system designed to assist healthcare professionals in providing comprehensive care for patients with chronic illnesses such as cancer. (e. g. OncoMD, CancerIQ)
Patient Education Software. A software system designed to provide patients with educational materials about their condition and treatment options. (e. g. OncoLearn, CancerGuide)

Professional Organizations to Know

Oncology Nursing Society (ONS)
American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP)
American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO)
International Society of Nurses in Cancer Care (ISNCC)
National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN)
Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation (ONCC)
American College of Nurse Practitioners (ACNP)
American Nurses Association (ANA)
Association of Oncology Social Work (AOSW)
National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists (NACNS)

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Common Important Terms

Oncology. The branch of medicine dealing with tumors and cancers.
Hospice Care. End-of-life care that focuses on the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of the patient and their family.
Palliative Care. Care aimed at relieving symptoms and improving quality of life for a patient living with a serious illness.
Radiation Therapy. The use of high-energy radiation to treat cancer and other diseases.
Chemotherapy. The use of drugs to treat cancer and other diseases.
Genetics. The study of heredity and the variation of inherited characteristics.
Immunotherapy. The use of the body's own immune system to fight disease.
Pharmacology. The study of the interactions between drugs and the body.
End-of-Life Care. Care provided to patients near the end of life to ensure their comfort and dignity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Oncology Nurse Practitioner (ONP)?

An Oncology Nurse Practitioner is a healthcare professional who specializes in the care of cancer patients and their families. ONPs are advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who assess, diagnose, and treat patients with cancer and related conditions.

What type of education is required to become an ONP?

To become an ONP, you must first complete a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree and pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN). After that, you must complete a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree with a specialty focus in oncology.

What are some of the duties of an ONP?

ONPs are responsible for managing the care of cancer patients throughout the course of their treatment. This includes: assessing, diagnosing, and treating patients with cancer and related conditions; providing patient education; coordinating multidisciplinary care plans; prescribing medications; and providing psychosocial support to patients and their families.

What is the average salary of an ONP?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for an ONP is $120,830 as of May 2020.

What is the job outlook for an ONP?

The job outlook for ONPs is positive. The BLS estimates that employment of nurse practitioners will grow by 31 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average growth rate for all other occupations.

Web Resources

Oncology Nurse Practitioner Certificate - Azusa Pacific University www.apu.edu
How to Become an Oncology Nurse Practitioner | Provo College www.provocollege.edu
Oncology Nurse | Oncology Nurse Practitioner Certification www.graduatenursingedu.org