As healthcare continues to grow and evolve, the nursing profession is also advancing. One of the most popular specialties in nursing is oncology. However, not everyone is familiar with the role of an oncology travel nurse. This article will cover everything you need to know about this unique role in the nursing industry.
What is an Oncology Travel Nurse?
An oncology travel nurse is a registered nurse who specializes in caring for cancer patients. They work on a contract basis and travel to different healthcare facilities to provide nursing care for patients. Essentially, they are temporary employees who are hired to fill in staffing gaps when regular staff is on leave, or facilities are short-staffed.
Oncology travel nurses must be well versed in administering chemotherapy, monitoring vital signs, and providing emotional support to patients and their families. They work under the supervision of an oncologist or a nurse practitioner.
How to Become an Oncology Travel Nurse?
Becoming an oncology travel nurse requires certain qualifications. To qualify for this role, you must first earn a nursing degree and obtain RN licensure. You should gain at least two years of experience as an oncology nurse before considering a travel position.
After gaining the required experience, you must obtain certification in oncology nursing. Certification demonstrates your knowledge and expertise in the field. Oncology travel nurses must also have excellent communication skills, organizational skills, and be able to work independently.
What are the Benefits of Being an Oncology Travel Nurse?
Being an oncology travel nurse comes with many benefits. Firstly, you get to travel to different locations and experience different cultures, which makes the job exciting. Secondly, you have the flexibility to choose where you want to work and the duration of the contract.
Travel nurses typically earn a higher salary than regular staff nurses, and they also receive benefits such as free housing, healthcare coverage, travel expenses, and 401k plans. Some travel nursing agencies also offer bonuses and referral bonuses to their nurses.
What are the Challenges of Being an Oncology Travel Nurse?
While being an oncology travel nurse can be exciting, it also comes with its challenges. One of the most significant challenges is adjusting to new working environments frequently. Oncology travel nurses have to learn quickly and adapt to new working cultures and patient populations often.
Another challenge is being away from family and friends. Oncology travel nurses work long hours, and they may not have time to explore new locations or engage in social activities outside of work.
How to Find an Oncology Travel Nurse Job?
There are several ways to find an oncology travel nurse job. One way is to work with a travel nurse staffing agency. These agencies connect travel nurses with healthcare facilities that need temporary staffing for short or long-term contracts.
You can also search for travel nurse jobs on job boards such as Indeed, Glassdoor, and Monster. Some healthcare facilities also post their travel nursing vacancies on their websites.
Conclusion
Oncology travel nursing is a rewarding career that provides unique opportunities to care for cancer patients while exploring different locations. If you meet the qualifications and have a passion for nursing, this career path may be worth exploring.