Becoming an Oncology Nurse
INQUIRE about open rn positions with st. thomas or st. croix cancer specialists:
Becoming an outpatient oncology nurse involves a combination of education, training, and practical experience. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you pursue a career as an outpatient oncology nurse:
Educational Requirements
High school diploma or equivalent, Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited nursing program.
Licensing:
After completing the NCLEX-RN, become a licensed RN in the USVI with the VI Board of Nurse Licensure.
Gain Clinical Experience:
It is recommended that you work in various nursing roles to gain experience, ideally in areas related to medical-surgical or oncology nursing. This experience is valuable in developing your clinical skills.
Specialize in Oncology (with us!):
Take your ONS Fundamentals of Chemotherapy and Immunotherapy Administration certifications (10 CE hours). After 2,000 clinical hours in oncology, you qualify to take the Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN) credential offered by the Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation (ONCC).
Continuing Education:
Stay updated on the latest advancements in oncology nursing by participating in continuing education programs, attending conferences, and joining professional organizations such as the Oncology Nursing Society (ONS).
Maintain Certification:
Make sure to maintain the requirements for recertification. This often involves continuing education and ongoing professional development. The ONS Fundamentals course renews every 2 years, the OCN credential renews every 4 years.