Resources for Student Nurses

Multi-ethnic group of happy students having fun while taking selfie at nursing school

 

Oncology care is one of the most challenging, yet rewarding, nursing careers around. It’s an opportunity to be inspired by the determination, hope, and faith of your patients. Whether or not you decide to enter the oncology field, you are going to care for patients with cancer at some point in your career. And you’re in the right place to learn more about oncology nursing.

Student Membership Benefits and Resources

FREE Online Courses

Get Started with Cancer Basics

As a student member benefit, ONS offers complimentary access to the ONS Cancer Basics™ course.  This introductory-level class prepares nurses new to oncology or in non-oncology settings to provide quality care to patients receiving chemotherapy.  View instructions on how to register for membership, and then access the course to get started.   

Additional Courses to Consider

Receive free access or sizable discounts on the introductory-level education that nurses in non-oncology settings need to provide quality care for patients receiving chemotherapy. These courses offer self-paced learning on the fundamentals of cancer care and chemotherapy safety.

Courses Description Student Price NCPD
Advocacy 101: Making a Difference This course will help you gain the knowledge and skills needed to effectively communicate your ideas and concerns to legislators to impact cancer care. FREE 2.75
Introduction to Evidence Based Practice

In this course, you will learn about developing a spirit of inquiry and how to identify and write clinically relevant PICOT (patient population, intervention, comparison, outcomes, and timeframe). 

FREE 1.25
Safe Handling Basics
This introductory course discusses hazardous drugs and how to handle them safely. All nurses and other staff who work in areas where hazardous drugs are handled or administered will benefit from this course. The course content is aligned with recommendations from ONS, NIOSH, USP, and other national organizations.
FREE 1.00
Introduction to Nutrition in Cancer Care
In this interactive course, you will learn foundational information about the impact of nutrition on patient outcomes, patient risk factors that lead to malnutrition, and when to provide a nutrition intervention. 
FREE 1.50

Network with Oncology Professionals

Local Chapter - As part of your ONS membership, you're automatically signed-up to the chapter closest to you.

ONS Congress® -  Join 4,000 of your peers to shape and revolutionize the future of cancer care at the annual ONS Congress. As a student, you can save almost $300 on early bird registration!

The ONS Career Fair at ONS Congress® can be a helpful professional development tool. Whether you are currently seeking a job or looking for ways to develop your professional skills, this event will help you get on the path to success. Professional development workshops put on by industry leaders can help you learn how to stand out among job applicants and establish yourself as an oncology nursing leader.

ONS Communities - Share ideas and ask questions of other oncology nurses. Visit ONS Communities and connect with peers in cancer care sub-specialties.

Networking Resource for Students - To help you as your nursing career develops, we asked ONS members to share their advice, support, and recommendations for student nurses and compiled their responses into a new resource, Tips for Student Nurses From ONS Members

Career Development

Career Center - The Career Center is a place where job-seekers have access to their next position in oncology nursing. ONS members can use career coaching, resume writing support, and customized learning content. 

Career Guide - Explore the newly designed ONS Career Guide to discover a variety of resources related to beginning a nursing career. Discover our multiple resources—all in one place—with just a click of a button. 

CareerWire - A monthly e-newsletter that provides oncology employment updates from across the country.

ONS Job Board - Visit the ONS Job board to view the latest job openings, post your resume, and set up alerts to help you land your dream job.

Resources On-The-Go

ONS Podcast - Listen to tips and professional advice from seasoned nurses on topics like Advancing Your Career Through Awards, Grants, and Scholarships, Effective Job Interviewing Skills, Resume Writing Tips, and more. Find us for free on iTunes and the Google Play store by searching "Oncology Nursing Podcast."

Webinars - Browse through ONS's many webinars to advance your knowledge and understanding of oncology nursing. 

ONS Bridge™ - The premier virtual oncology nursing conference that helps connect you with resources and education to support you as you progress your nursing career. Get the full conference experience from the comfort of your home with daily live sessions where you can interact with speakers, a virtual exhibit hall, industry events, and much more. 

ONS Voice - Through its evidence-based, award-winning content, ONS's online news, views, and advocacy magazine engages oncology nurses in its mission to share oncology nursing news, stories, and views from ONS and the diverse cancer care community. 

Discover More About Oncology Nursing Careers

Oncology nursing offers unlimited career possibilities. Nurses can choose from a variety of sub-specialties of clinical oncology nursing. Don't know where to start? ONS has career guidance to offer.

View the tabs below to learn oncology career options in each category.

  • Cancer Type
  • Setting
  • Population
  • Nursing Role Type
  • Treatment Modality

There are more than 100 types of cancer, and some nurses subspecialize not only in oncology but in certain types of cancers such as:

  • Breast
  • Neurology
  • Colorectal
  • Orthopedic 
  • Outpatient
  • Inpatient
  • Homecare
  • Hospice
  • Perioperative (PACU, Pre-Surgical, Operating Room)
  • Pediatrics
  • Geriatrics
  • Adult
  • Adolescent/Young Adult
  • Nurse Practitioner*
  • Clinical Nurse Specialist*
  • Case Manager
  • Informatics Specialist
  • Navigator
  • Clinical Trials Nurse
  • Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist*

*Denotes an advanced degree is required

  • Surgical Oncology
  • Medical Oncology
  • Radiation Oncology
  • Palliative/Supportive Care
  • Infusion
  • Bone Marrow Transplant