Pediatric Oncology Nurse Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the realm of healthcare, the importance of Pediatric Oncology Nurses has never been more profound.

As advancements in medicine continue to progress, there is an escalating need for compassionate individuals who can navigate, enhance, and shield the health of our youngest cancer patients.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a Pediatric Oncology Nurse?

Whether you are:

• An aspiring nurse looking to understand the core of this role,
• A healthcare recruiter outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the intricacies of pediatric oncology nursing,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a tailored Pediatric Oncology Nurse job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or healthcare career platforms.

Let’s get started right away.

Pediatric Oncology Nurse Duties and Responsibilities

Pediatric Oncology Nurses specialize in the care and treatment of children suffering from cancer.

They work closely with doctors, pediatricians, and other nurses to provide the best possible care for their patients.

Their main duties and responsibilities include:

• Assessing the patient’s health condition, symptoms and needs
• Administering chemotherapy and other medications under the supervision of a doctor
• Monitoring and managing the side effects of cancer treatment
• Providing emotional support and counseling to the patient and their family
• Assisting doctors in the performance of medical procedures and examinations
• Documenting patient’s medical history, treatment plan, and response to medication
• Educating the patient and their family about the disease, treatment process, and aftercare at home
• Collaborating with the multi-disciplinary team in the planning and implementation of patient care
• Administering basic nursing care including wound dressing, taking blood samples, and monitoring vital signs
• Participating in research studies aimed at improving the treatment and care of pediatric oncology patients

 

Pediatric Oncology Nurse Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a compassionate and dedicated Pediatric Oncology Nurse to join our healthcare team.

In this role, you will be responsible for providing care and support for children diagnosed with cancer.

Your duties will include monitoring patient condition, administering medication, explaining treatment procedures to patients and their families, and providing emotional support.

The ideal candidate has a deep understanding of pediatric oncology, strong communication skills, and a compassionate and patient-centered approach to care.

 

Responsibilities

• Monitor patient condition and progress and report any significant changes to the physician
• Administer chemotherapy and other necessary medications
• Perform diagnostic tests and assist with patient evaluations
• Explain procedures and treatment plans to patients and their families
• Provide emotional support and guidance to patients and their families
• Coordinate with the healthcare team to create individualized care plans for patients
• Maintain accurate and detailed patient records
• Adhere to safety protocols and standards of care

 

Qualifications

• Registered Nurse (RN) license
• Minimum of 2 years’ experience in pediatric nursing, oncology nursing, or a related field
• Knowledge of pediatric oncology best practices and procedures
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Compassionate and patient-centered approach
• Ability to handle emotional situations and maintain composure in stressful situations
• Physical stamina to work long shifts and stand for extended periods

 

Benefits

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

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Pediatric Oncology Nurse
• Work Environment: Hospital or medical center. This position may require working nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Charge Nurse or Nurse 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 a Pediatric Oncology Nurse Do?

Pediatric Oncology Nurses are specialized healthcare professionals who work mainly with children and adolescents diagnosed with various types of cancer.

They assess and monitor the patient’s condition, administer prescribed medications, perform chemotherapy administration, and educate families about treatment plans.

They also provide emotional support to the child and their family during this challenging time.

Their role often involves collaborating with a team of healthcare professionals, including doctors, pediatric oncologists, and other nursing staff, to ensure a comprehensive and personalized approach to the child’s care.

In addition, Pediatric Oncology Nurses may also assist in clinical research related to childhood cancers and contribute to the development of new treatment methods.

They play a vital role in providing comfort and quality care to young patients during their treatment and recovery journey.

They also help educate parents and families about how to manage the child’s illness at home and provide information about community resources that can offer additional support.

 

Pediatric Oncology Nurse Qualifications and Skills

A Pediatric Oncology Nurse should have a certain set of skills and qualifications to handle this unique and challenging role.

They include:

• Strong clinical nursing skills, including the ability to administer chemotherapy, manage symptoms, and monitor patient responses.
• Knowledge of oncology disorders, treatments, and medication specific to pediatric patients.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, to establish trust and rapport with young patients and their families, and to facilitate effective communication among the healthcare team.
• Emotional resilience and stability, as the job often involves dealing with critically ill children and their distressed families.
• Empathy and compassion to provide emotional support to patients and their families during a difficult time.
• Detail-oriented with strong observational skills to detect subtle changes in a patient’s condition.
• Problem-solving and critical thinking skills to make swift decisions in emergencies.
• Ability to educate and counsel patients and families about diseases, treatments, and care management.
• Physical stamina to work long hours and manage the physical demands of nursing.

 

Pediatric Oncology Nurse Experience Requirements

Pediatric Oncology Nurses typically need to be registered nurses (RNs) before further specializing in pediatric oncology.

This means they first need to complete a nursing program, either an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN), and pass the NCLEX-RN exam.

Upon becoming a registered nurse, prospective pediatric oncology nurses often gain experience in pediatric nursing or oncology nursing.

This could be achieved through 1-2 years of experience in general pediatrics or oncology, or a combination of both.

To further qualify as a pediatric oncology nurse, a professional can obtain certification from the Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation.

This requires a minimum of one year of registered nursing experience, 1000 hours of pediatric oncology nursing practice within 2.5 years, and successful completion of a certification examination.

Those with more than 3 years of experience in pediatric oncology nursing often have advanced their skills in patient care, family communication, and emergency response, and may be prepared for roles of increased responsibility, such as charge nurse or care coordinator.

Pediatric Oncology Nurses with more than 5 years of experience often have leadership skills and are capable of managing a team of healthcare professionals.

They may be ready to move into roles such as nurse manager or nurse educator.

 

Pediatric Oncology Nurse Education and Training Requirements

Pediatric Oncology Nurses are required to complete a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing (BSN).

This degree provides foundational knowledge in nursing theory and practice, with courses in anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and other related sciences.

After obtaining their BSN, individuals must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to gain licensure as a registered nurse.

With their RN license, nurses can then gain experience in pediatric nursing and oncology.

While this isn’t always required, some employers may prefer nurses with some experience in these fields.

The next step is to obtain certification as a Pediatric Oncology Nurse through the Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation (ONCC).

To be eligible for this certification, a nurse must have a minimum of 1 year of RN experience, 1,000 hours of pediatric oncology nursing practice within the last 2.5 years, and 10 hours of continuing education in pediatric oncology within the last 3 years.

Moreover, Pediatric Oncology Nurses should be compassionate, patient, and have excellent communication skills to care for children with cancer and their families.

Continuing education is also important in this field, as it allows nurses to stay up-to-date with advancements in pediatric oncology treatments and care strategies.

This could be achieved through seminars, workshops, and advanced certification courses.

In some cases, a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) may be needed, particularly for roles involving research, education, or advanced practice nursing within pediatric oncology.

 

Pediatric Oncology Nurse Salary Expectations

A Pediatric Oncology Nurse earns an average salary of $93,669 (USD) per year.

The actual earnings may differ based on years of experience, certifications, geographical location, and the facility they work for.

 

Pediatric Oncology Nurse Job Description FAQs

What qualifications are needed to become a Pediatric Oncology Nurse?

Pediatric Oncology Nurses should possess a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or an associate degree in nursing (ADN).

After obtaining their degree, they should pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) to become a registered nurse.

Additionally, experience in pediatric nursing or oncology is highly beneficial.

Many employers prefer nurses who are certified in Pediatric Hematology Oncology Nursing.

 

What are the daily duties of a Pediatric Oncology Nurse?

On a typical day, a Pediatric Oncology Nurse would monitor the condition of their patients, administer medication, and provide emotional support to the children and their families.

They may also prepare patients for treatments like chemotherapy, explain the treatment and its side effects, and answer any questions the family might have.

They will also liaise with doctors and other healthcare professionals to develop and implement care plans.

 

What qualities make a good Pediatric Oncology Nurse?

A good Pediatric Oncology Nurse is compassionate and patient, as they need to provide emotional support to children and families dealing with cancer.

They must also be highly knowledgeable about cancer treatments and their side effects, with the ability to explain these in easy-to-understand terms.

Good communication skills are a must, as they need to liaise with doctors, patients, and families.

They should also be detail-oriented and organized to manage complex treatment plans.

 

How challenging is the role of a Pediatric Oncology Nurse?

Being a Pediatric Oncology Nurse can be very challenging, both emotionally and physically.

They deal with seriously ill children and their families, which can be emotionally draining.

They also often need to manage complex treatment plans and work long hours.

However, many nurses in this field find the role incredibly rewarding, as they have the chance to make a significant difference in the lives of their patients.

 

Conclusion

And there it is.

Today, we’ve shed light on the intricate, challenging, yet rewarding role of a pediatric oncology nurse.

Guess what?

It’s not just about providing medical care.

It’s about crafting a brighter future, one child at a time.

With our comprehensive pediatric oncology nurse job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take the next leap.

But why settle there?

Explore more with our job description generator. It’s your ultimate tool to creating precision-crafted job listings or finessing your resume to a tee.

Remember:

Every act of care you provide is part of a bigger purpose.

Let’s create a healthier future. Together.

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