Oncologist - Career Advice - Community and Health

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Oncology Nurse
Radiation Oncologist

Oncologists are physicians who manage patients with cancer.

Cancer is a term for diseases in which abnormal cells divide without control and can invade nearby tissues. Cancer cells can spread to other parts of the body through the blood and lymph systems. FutureGrowthModerate
Oncologists diagnose and assess stages of cancer, recommend and implement appropriate treatment plans and continually monitor progress.

ANZSCO ID & description: 253314: Investigates, diagnoses and treats patients with cancer using chemotherapy and biological therapy. Registration or licensing is required.

Alternative names: Clinical Oncologist, Medical Oncology Physician, Oncologist

Specialisations: Gynaecological Oncologists, Haematologists, Paediatric oncologists, Radiation Oncologists, Surgical Oncologists

Knowledge, skills and attributes

An oncologist needs:

high levels of intelligence and self discipline
expert knowledge in the areas of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, immunotherapy and targeted treatments
to be able to make good clinical judgements under difficult and emotional circumstances
to be able to effectively counsel and advise patients
to work as part of a multidisciplinary team and in some cases, manage that team
a willingness to continue to engage in professional development, study and training
excellent communication skills
to be able to work under pressure
sensitivity, understanding and to be trustworthy

Oncologist with patient
(Source: Health Care Workers Salary)

Duties and Tasks

The primary role of the Indigenous Community Worker is to identify and assist in the development and improvement of the quality of life for Indigenous Australians.

To identify the needs and aspirations of the Indigenous Australian community and ensure honest and open relationships with members of this community.
To build strong community relations.

Working conditions

Most oncologists start their careers in hospitals and clinics, eventually moving into private practice.
Oncologists usually work long hours and at times are on call.

Oncology work can be emotionally draining as a lot of time is spent dealing with patients who have a serious disease - frequent time-out is a must.

Tools and technologies

Oncologists are expected to be familiar with a variety of medical equipment and instruments associated with chemotherapy, radiotherapy and other cancer treatment.

Education and training/entrance requirements

To become a medical oncologist, you must first become a qualified medical practitioner and then specialise in oncology.

To become a medical practitioner, you need to study a degree in medicine. Alternatively, you can study a degree in any discipline followed by a postgraduate degree in medicine.

To specialise in medical oncology, doctors can apply to the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP) to undertake further training and ultimately receive fellowship.

To be eligible for this specialist training, on completion of your medical degree, you must work in the public hospital system for a minimum of two years (internship and residency).

To work as a medical oncologist in Australia, you will need to obtain registration from the Medical Board of Australia.

Oncologist
(Source: UWA)

Did You Know?

Oncologist and writer Dr Ranjana Srivastava shares what she wish she had known earlier about her career choice and the challenges it presented along the way.

Books by Ranjana: A Better Death: Conversations About the Art of Living and Dying Well and What it Takes to Be a Doctor

Listen to Ranjana (7mins 37secs) - Wednesday 29 July 2020

Radiation oncologists are medical specialists who use radiation therapy (also known as radiotherapy) to treat and manage cancer in patients. Future Growth Strong

ANZSCO ID & description: 253918: Provides medical care and management of patients with cancer and other medical conditions through the conduct and supervision of radiation treatment; and advice on the provision of palliative and other supportive care of patients with cancer. Registration or licensing is required.

Knowledge, skills and attributes

A radiation oncologist needs:

the ability to cope with the physical and psychological demands of the job
to be accurate and have an eye for detail
problem solving skills
understanding, patience and empathy
excellent communication skills to liaise with other physicians and provide clear information to patients
to be able to work well within a team

Radiation Oncologist
(Source: Siteman Cancer Centre)

Duties and Tasks

Radiation oncologists work with and assess patients with cancer and plan the course of best treatment for them. Radiation oncologists may remove the cancer, or where that is not possible, alleviate pain to improve the quality of life of a patient. They determine and prescribe the most suitable dose of radiation using high energy X-rays, electron beams or gamma rays to treat their patient.

They are ultimately responsible for assessing individual patients, determining the best management plan, overseeing treatment and assessing progress. Radiation Oncologists may order tests and imaging, prescribe medications, and consult with other doctors involved with cancer treatment.

Working conditions

Radiation oncologists work for public and private hospitals. They may supervise and teach medical students and trainees. Radiation oncologists may also perform research and conduct clinical trials. They may be required to be on-call in case of an emergency.
Most radiation oncologists in Australia work in the metropolitan areas. They must wear personal protective equipment and adhere to strict safety requirements when performing procedures with radiation.

Tools and technologies

Radiation oncologists work with radiation therapists and medical physicists to deliver radiation treatment with a radiation machine called a linear accelerator (linac). Radiation oncologists usually use external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) techniques, but may also use intraoperative radiotherapy, total body irradiation, or brachytherapy, where radiation is delivered inside the patient. They may be required to wear lead aprons or thyroid shields if they are performing a procedure near radiation.

Education and training/entrance requirements

To work as a radiation oncologist in Australia, you will need to obtain registration from the Medical Radiation Practice Board.

To become a radiation oncologist, you must first become a qualified medical doctor and then specialise in radiation oncology.

To become a medical practitioner, you need to study a degree in medicine. Alternatively, you can study a degree in any discipline followed by a postgraduate degree in medicine.

To specialise in radiation oncology, doctors must apply to the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists (RANZCR) to complete the Radiation Oncology Training Program.
To be eligible for this specialist training, on completion of your medical degree, you must work in the public hospital system for two years (internship and residency).

A Career in Radiation Oncology - Radiation Oncologist
https://youtu.be/yzYCDmaS7bU

Oncology nurses are registered nurses with in-depth knowledge and experience in caring for cancer patients. The patients they care for may be babies or older patients experiencing many different forms of cancer. They work closely with oncologists, radiographers, pathologists, dieticians and physicians to support the care of their patients. Given the nature of the role and frequent contact with their patients, oncology nurses typically build solid relationships. Future Growth Strong

Many patients require regular appointments and long-term care. They can find comfort in their relationships with nurses, who they often see as patient advocates, working closely with patients to determine the right level of care. For example, they may liaise with the family and healthcare providers to determine the necessary steps, including ethical and legal considerations, to transition a cancer patient from curative to palliative care.

Oncology Nurse
(Source: Calvary Careers)

ANZSCO ID: 254499

Knowledge, skills and attributes

Oncology nurses are responsible for interpreting pathology results and have an in-depth knowledge of the expected side effects of cancer treatments. It's important for an oncology nurse to have several skills to support their patients effectively, including:

Empathy: Looking after patients with cancer can mean helping people cope with fearful emotions. Demonstrating empathy when assisting patients and their families can help build and strengthen relationships. Patient care, particularly chemotherapy, can also challenge a patient's endurance. Showing that they understand these challenges with empathy is important in supporting and caring for patients. As an oncology nurse, putting yourself in the patient's situation and asking them questions can be a valuable way to improve your empathy skills.
Communication: Oncology nurses communicate with patients and their families about their care and treatment programs. Communication is critical for patient care, particularly when discussing patients' medication. Oncology nurses are responsible for ensuring patients and their families understand the specific drugs to take, including quantities and frequency.

In addition to communicating processes and treatment plans in simple language, listening to patients is equally important. Patients often have many questions after a diagnosis. Being comfortable asking their oncology nurse these questions can help patients better understand how to cope with their diagnoses. Compassion and strong interpersonal skills are valuable skills for developing a career in oncology nursing.
Attention to detail: Oncology nurses are responsible for regularly monitoring patients and assessing their condition, making attention to detail essential. Noticing small changes in patients can help identify whether to stop or change their treatment. Identifying changes in a patient's condition may also mean recommending referrals to additional specialists.
Critical thinking: Oncology nurses treat various forms of cancer that affect different types of patients. Cancer and its treatment plans can affect patients differently and oncology nurses are responsible for swiftly responding to patients' needs. Critically assessing a situation to determine the right course of action for each scenario is an important skill to help with patient care.
Time management: Often, oncology nurses assist multiple patients, each with different treatment plans, so they learn to manage their time effectively to administer medications correctly. Being on time for patient appointments can also help demonstrate patient care and strengthen relationships. Planning, delegating and setting boundaries for patient care can all help improve your time management skills.
Emotional intelligence: An oncology nurse uses interpersonal skills to listen to patients and show sensitivity to their needs. Emotional intelligence means responding appropriately to patient behaviours and questions while assessing their understanding of the disease and their emotional state. This skill can help identify how best to communicate with a patient. For example, reading a person's reactions and understanding that they might not want full disclosure can help you determine the right approach for communicating with the patient.

Oncology Nurse with patient
(Source: Sanforth Health)

Duties and Tasks

An oncology nurse primarily focuses on being the main point of contact for their patients' ongoing care. Some oncology nurses may decide to switch to a clinical nurse specialist role. For example, they may educate and assess patients, conduct radiation therapy or specialise in gynaecology. In addition, oncology nurses may become involved in research and clinical trials.

making initial and ongoing patient assessments as patients proceed through their treatment plans
monitoring any side effects from patients' medication and treatment and referring them to oncologists for any severe or unusual issues for further assessment
analysing and interpreting test results
providing support and information to patients and their families in simple language to help them understand treatment options
explaining possible side effects and how to manage them to patients and their families
managing patient caseloads to ensure continuity of care
collaborating with the broader oncology team
creating specific care plans for patients, including referring to other healthcare professions where required
building a patient profile with each patient that considers their health history and information that's important for care providers to know
monitoring patients' physical and emotional status
assisting with clinical trials and other forms of research to help improve treatment processes
administering chemotherapy following guidelines and protocols
ordering medicines, supplies and chemotherapy
assisting patients with side effects and monitoring for any allergic reactions
managing, training and mentoring student nurses
attending training to maintain professional development
documenting all patient care to keep medical records updated
ensuring continuity of care within nursing teams and the broader oncology support team

Working conditions

Oncology nurses work in a variety of healthcare settings where patients seek treatment for cancer, including hospitals, community centres, private clinics or cancer centres. These specialised nurses support patients who have various types of cancer.

Oncology nurses most often work in clean and sterile hospital environments, although some may work in community-based clinics. Full time oncology nurses typically work a 40 hour week but needs to be available 24 hours a day, 7 days per week for emergencies. Since many medical facilities throughout Australia are understaffed due to the global nursing shortage, overtime has become standard practice with double shifts a frequent occurrence. Oncology nurses must also adhere to strict confidentiality policies due to the delicate health condition of cancer patients.

Tools and technologies

Digital health technology is of special interest to oncology nurses because monitoring and interventions for symptoms are the pillar of cancer care. Using digital health technology would allow for timely assessment and planning by the patient’s health care team. Managing symptoms effectively allows the patient to continue treatment and have good quality of life.

Oncology Nurse showing technology
(Source: Health Times)

Education and training/entrance requirements

If becoming an oncology nurse interests you, here are four steps to follow:

1. Complete an undergraduate degree: The first step to becoming an oncology nurse is completing registered nurse training, for example, a bachelor's degree in nursing. Courses specialising in nursing can provide knowledge and skills relating to anatomy, psychology and biology. A bachelor's degree typically takes three to four years of full-time study to complete.

2. Become a registered nurse: Once you graduate from a nationally accredited nursing program, you can apply to the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) to practice as a registered nurse. You can also apply if you're a final year nursing student or are within six weeks of completing your approved study program. Nurses who have an annual practising certificate (APC) with the Nursing Council of New Zealand can also apply. You may also be a recent graduate of an approved degree or a midwife with a current practising certificate.

3. Gain experience: Once you register as a nurse, you can begin working to gain practical experience. Registered nurses usually work in hospitals, private clinics, aged care or other community health settings. While you may start out in other specialities, you can look for opportunities or transfers to oncology departments once you have some experience. This can help you obtain professional experience within this specialisation area to determine if it's the right career move for you.

4. Further study: While employers don't always require you to complete further study, additional training can enhance your knowledge and skills to provide specialised care. For example, you may require additional training if you work in a specialist cancer centre. There are various available courses, including the Graduate Certificate in Cancer Nursing or the Graduate Diploma in Nursing Science (Oncology Nursing). Graduate diplomas typically take one year to complete, either full-time or part-time. Completing further study can also benefit you if you're considering working in clinical research, providing insights into future treatment trends and innovative technology advancements.

Employment Opportunities

There is a severe nursing shortage throughout Australia across all areas of nursing. This arises from the aging of the nursing workforce, nurse recidivism, and the smaller number of nurses entering the profession. This combined with the aging of the population and the increased incidence of cancer in older adults means that the field of oncology nursing is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations