Inside Oncology Nursing: Stories, Challenges & Triumphs from the Frontlines of Cancer Care
Podcast Episode
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to work in oncology? Or maybe you’ve thought that oncology nursing could never be the place for you. If the answer is yes to either of those questions, I encourage you to dig a little deeper into the world of oncology nursing.
As I reflect on my own nursing journey, I have to acknowledge the profound impact of oncology nursing on both my personal and professional life. There’s no denying the incredible legacy and promising future of this specialty. And there’s no better time to celebrate it than right now—just after the 50th annual Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) Congress and during Oncology Nurses Month (May)!
In my podcast episode and in this article, I’ll share the essence of oncology nursing, highlights from the 50th ONS Congress, and how this specialty is reshaping cancer care today.
What is Oncology Nursing?
Oncology nurses are the heartbeat of cancer care. Our patients are cancer survivors from the moment of diagnosis through survivorship or end-of-life care. Oncology nurses support patients emotionally, physically, and clinically. Whether working in outpatient infusion centers, radiation departments, or bone marrow transplant units, we bring expertise, compassion, and advocacy to some of life’s most challenging moments.
Highlights from the 50th ONS Congress
The 50th ONS Congress was a true celebration of the past, present, and future of oncology nursing. Held in Denver, Colorado, in April 2025, this historic event brought together over 4,000 oncology nurses from across the country. It not only honored decades of innovation and dedication but also highlighted the evolving role of oncology nurses in a rapidly changing healthcare landscape. This was a special moment for me, as it was my first time attending and presenting a poster! It was truly inspiring to be surrounded by nurses dedicated to improving cancer care and advancing the profession.
Some highlights from the ONS Congress included:
- Hearing keynote speakers share their stories as oncology nurses from every decade (1970s-2020s), including one of the founders of ONS.
- Attending workshops and panels on high-impact topics like health equity, artificial intelligence, nurse-led clinical trials, and burnout prevention.
- Celebrating the recognition of excellence by multiple organizations, including ONS, the Oncology Nursing Certification Corp, Cure, and many more. These organizations honored nurses who have transformed cancer care through advocacy, education, and research.
After the five-day conference, I walked away re-energized, informed, and ready to bring what I learned back to my clinical setting and communities.
Why Oncology Nursing Matters More Than Ever
Beyond the science, oncology nursing is deeply human. Nurses often serve as educators, counselors, researchers, and policy advocates—all in one role. The future of oncology nursing requires a focus on:
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Cancer Care: We serve diverse populations, and cancer does not discriminate. Neither should we. It is our duty to provide equitable care to all patients.
- Mental Health Support for Patients and Clinicians: Let’s be real—cancer SUCKS. For patients, it’s life-changing. For nurses, it’s emotionally demanding as we guide our patients through some of their most difficult moments.
- Leadership Development for Nurse-Driven Change: Innovation starts with us. We need to create the structures that will lead us into the next decades of care.
Getting Involved: Your Path Into Oncology Nursing
If you’re a nursing student or practicing RN considering oncology, now is the time to explore this dynamic field. Here’s how to get started:
- Join the Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) and a Local Chapter: ONS is a vibrant community of nurses across the U.S. Whether you get involved locally or through virtual communities, oncology nurses are here to support you.
- Pursue Certification (like the OCN®): If you feel confident in your oncology knowledge, GET CERTIFIED! The OCN was made for nurses, by nurses. Increasing certification numbers is critical to continue demonstrating the value of our specialized work.
- Attend Oncology-Specific Workshops or Conferences: Cancer care is changing every day. It’s hard to keep up, so stay engaged!
- Shadow an Oncology Nurse or Seek a Clinical Rotation in Cancer Care: Explore roles like nurse navigator, research nurse, or infusion RN. Even if you don’t want to make the switch, learning more about oncology nursing will help you better care for this special patient population.
At the end of it all, oncology nurses don’t just treat cancer—they treat people. Attending the 50th ONS Congress reminded me that nurses are the change-makers driving forward innovation, empathy, and patient-centered care in oncology.
Whether you’re already working in oncology or considering it for the future, this is a field where your knowledge, skills, and heart can make a profound difference.
Connect with Rebeca on Social Media:
Instagram:Â @EnfermeraMami.RN
🤔Oncology nurses, what has been the most rewarding or challenging part of your journey in cancer care?
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