Oncology Nurse Coordinator Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the rapidly evolving field of healthcare, the role of an oncology nurse coordinator is more critical than ever before.

As medical advancements surge forward, the demand for skilled and compassionate individuals who can effectively coordinate cancer care, and support patients and their families is growing.

But what exactly does an oncology nurse coordinator do?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker looking to understand the intricacies of this role,
• A hiring manager aiming to outline the perfect candidate,
• Or simply interested in the dynamics of oncology nursing,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable oncology nurse coordinator job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive in.

Oncology Nurse Coordinator Duties and Responsibilities

Oncology Nurse Coordinators play a crucial role in providing care and management to patients battling cancer.

They are involved in all aspects of a patient’s care, from diagnosis and treatment to education and emotional support.

Here are the key duties and responsibilities of an Oncology Nurse Coordinator:

• Coordinate and manage patient care in collaboration with a multidisciplinary team of healthcare providers
• Assess patients’ physical and emotional status, symptoms related to cancer and its treatment, and patients’ understanding of the disease and treatment plan
• Administer prescribed medications and treatments in accordance with approved nursing techniques
• Provide education and counseling to patients and their families about the disease, treatment side effects, and coping strategies
• Monitor patients’ response to treatment and adjust the care plan as necessary
• Participate in research activities related to oncology nursing
• Maintain up-to-date and accurate patient records, document all nursing care, and report relevant information to physicians
• Develop and maintain relationships with patients to facilitate effective communication, ensuring that patients’ needs and concerns are addressed
• Advocate for patients’ rights and needs and provide emotional support to patients and their families

 

Oncology Nurse Coordinator Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a compassionate and knowledgeable Oncology Nurse Coordinator to join our medical team.

The Oncology Nurse Coordinator will be responsible for coordinating all aspects of patient care, from diagnosis to treatment and beyond.

They will work closely with the oncology team, patients, and their families to navigate the complex process of cancer care, offering support and ensuring all care plans are followed accurately and comprehensively.

 

Responsibilities

• Coordinate patient care activities and the flow of information between physicians, nurses and patients.
• Facilitate communication between the healthcare team, the patient, and their families.
• Help patients understand their diagnosis, treatment options and the potential side effects.
• Develop and implement individualized care plans in conjunction with the healthcare team.
• Monitor patients’ progress and make adjustments to the care plan as necessary.
• Provide emotional support and counseling to patients and their families.
• Arrange patient referrals to other healthcare professionals and services as required.
• Educate patients and their families about self-care and healthy habits.
• Ensure all medical documentation is updated and maintained.
• Adhere to all hospital policies, procedures, and guidelines.

 

Qualifications

• Registered Nurse with current licensure
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in an oncology setting
• Knowledge of oncology treatments, side effects, and patient care
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Strong organizational and multi-tasking skills
• Ability to work as part of a team and to make decisions under pressure
• Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN) certification preferred
• Bachelor’s degree in Nursing or related field

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities
• Tuition reimbursement

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Oncology Nurse Coordinator
• Work Environment: Hospital setting. This role may require working nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of Nursing or Oncology Department Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does an Oncology Nurse Coordinator Do?

An Oncology Nurse Coordinator is a specialized healthcare professional who manages the care of patients diagnosed with cancer.

These nurses work in a multidisciplinary team, collaborating with doctors, oncologists, radiologists, and other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care for cancer patients.

The Oncology Nurse Coordinator is responsible for managing patients’ treatment plans, which include administering chemotherapy, providing support during radiation therapy, and coordinating surgical procedures.

They also provide education to patients and their families about the disease, treatment options, potential side effects, and self-care strategies.

These nurses often serve as the primary communication link between patients and their healthcare teams, ensuring all medical records are updated, scheduling appointments, and relaying relevant information to other healthcare providers.

Moreover, the Oncology Nurse Coordinator provides emotional support to patients and their families, helping them cope with the psychological stress and emotional challenges associated with a cancer diagnosis and treatment journey.

In addition to direct patient care, these nurses may also be involved in conducting research to improve cancer care and patient outcomes.

They must stay updated on the latest advancements in oncology care to ensure they are providing the best possible care to their patients.

 

Oncology Nurse Coordinator Qualifications and Skills

An Oncology Nurse Coordinator should possess a diverse range of clinical knowledge, compassionate interpersonal skills, and administrative competencies, such as:

• Extensive knowledge of oncology nursing practice and principles to provide comprehensive care for patients with cancer.
• Strong understanding of treatment procedures, side effects management, and post-treatment care in relation to cancer treatment.
• Exceptional communication skills to liaise between patients, families, and medical team, ensuring everyone is updated on the patient’s condition and treatment progress.
• Empathetic interpersonal skills to provide emotional support to patients and families during this difficult time.
• Problem-solving abilities to address any issues or complications that might arise during the course of treatment.
• Detail-oriented and organization skills to coordinate various aspects of patient care including scheduling appointments, coordinating with different departments, and maintaining patient records.
• Ability to keep up to date with the latest research and developments in cancer treatment to provide the most effective care.
• Patience and resilience to manage the stress and emotional toll associated with caring for critically ill patients.

 

Oncology Nurse Coordinator Experience Requirements

To become an Oncology Nurse Coordinator, candidates often begin their career with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree and then pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) to become a Registered Nurse (RN).

Most hospitals or clinics require at least 1 to 2 years of general nursing experience before considering a candidate for a specialized oncology role.

This initial experience equips the candidate with basic nursing skills, patient care, and an understanding of medical terminologies and procedures.

A minimum of 2 to 3 years of specialized experience in an oncology setting is often required for an Oncology Nurse Coordinator role.

This experience gives the candidate exposure to oncology-specific skills and knowledge such as chemotherapy administration, symptom management, and the care of patients with cancer.

Certification as an Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN) from the Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation is often preferred or required.

This certification is granted after completing the required oncology nursing experience and passing an exam.

Candidates with more than 5 years of oncology nursing experience and leadership skills might be considered for senior roles or team lead positions.

Those who have experience in coordinating patient care, managing a team of nurses, and collaborating with a multidisciplinary team of doctors and specialists are highly preferred for the Oncology Nurse Coordinator role.

Continuing education and professional development in the field of oncology nursing is also important.

This ongoing learning equips nurses with the latest best practices, research, and trends in cancer care.

 

Oncology Nurse Coordinator Education and Training Requirements

To become an Oncology Nurse Coordinator, one must first become a registered nurse (RN) by completing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree program from an accredited institution.

This program usually lasts for four years and provides a foundation in anatomy, physiology, microbiology, chemistry, nutrition, psychology, and other social and behavioral sciences.

Once the BSN degree is completed, the next step is to pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to obtain licensure as an RN.

This test ensures the nurse has the necessary skills and knowledge to perform the job safely and effectively.

After obtaining licensure, the aspiring Oncology Nurse Coordinator should gain experience in oncology nursing by working in areas such as chemotherapy, radiation, or palliative care.

This experience is crucial for understanding the unique needs and challenges of cancer patients.

To specialize in oncology, a nurse should obtain certification through the Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation (ONCC).

This certification requires a minimum of 1,000 hours of adult oncology nursing practice within the previous 2.5 years and a passing score on the oncology certification exam.

In addition to these, many Oncology Nurse Coordinators choose to complete a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree with a focus in oncology.

This advanced education equips them with further knowledge and skills in oncology nursing, leadership, and coordination of care.

Continuing education is crucial in this role due to the rapidly evolving field of cancer care.

This includes staying updated on the latest research, treatments, and protocols.

Finally, excellent communication skills, empathy, and the ability to coordinate between various healthcare professionals are important traits for an Oncology Nurse Coordinator.

 

Oncology Nurse Coordinator Salary Expectations

An Oncology Nurse Coordinator earns an average salary of $89,764 (USD) per year.

The actual income can fluctuate depending on factors such as years of experience in the field, educational background, geographical location, and the specific healthcare institution of employment.

 

Oncology Nurse Coordinator Job Description FAQs

What are the necessary qualifications for an Oncology Nurse Coordinator?

An Oncology Nurse Coordinator should have a Bachelor’s degree in nursing.

They need to be registered nurses (RNs) and preferably have specialty certification in oncology.

In addition to clinical experience, oncology nurse coordinators often need experience in leadership or management roles, as they coordinate care for cancer patients.

 

What skills does an Oncology Nurse Coordinator need?

Oncology Nurse Coordinators should have excellent clinical skills with an emphasis on oncology care.

They should also have strong communication skills, as they have to interact with patients, families, and healthcare professionals.

Organizational skills are also vital due to the coordination aspect of their role.

Furthermore, they need to be compassionate and empathetic, given the sensitive nature of their patients’ conditions.

 

What qualities make a good Oncology Nurse Coordinator?

A good Oncology Nurse Coordinator is patient, understanding, and compassionate, as they deal with patients facing serious illness.

They need to be resilient and emotionally stable to provide support to their patients.

They should also be detail-oriented and have good problem-solving skills to effectively manage and coordinate patient care.

 

What should you look for in an Oncology Nurse Coordinator resume?

When looking at an Oncology Nurse Coordinator’s resume, first check for their qualifications including their nursing degree and RN licensure.

Look for any specialty certifications in oncology.

Additionally, review their clinical experience, particularly in oncology, and any experience in leadership or management roles.

Any further education or specialized training in oncology, palliative care, or patient care coordination should also be noted.

 

What are the daily duties of an Oncology Nurse Coordinator?

The daily duties of an Oncology Nurse Coordinator include overseeing patient care, coordinating with doctors and other healthcare professionals to create care plans, and managing and evaluating nursing staff.

They also provide education to patients and families about treatment plans and symptom management, and they play a significant role in providing emotional support to patients.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve uncovered the true essence of being an Oncology Nurse Coordinator.

Surprise!

It’s not just about medical procedures.

It’s about orchestrating patient care, one day at a time.

With our comprehensive Oncology Nurse Coordinator job description template and practical examples, you’re ready to step forward.

But why not go further?

Explore more with our job description generator. It’s your key to creating precise job listings or honing your resume to flawlessness.

Remember:

Every patient interaction is a part of a larger journey.

Let’s shape that journey. Together.

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