Work as an oncology nurse in Ireland

Oncology Nurse Job Description

Working as an oncology nurse, you will be involved in caring for patients within the oncology department, who require specialised treatment, such as chemotherapy. Oncology nursing is a specialist role that requires in-depth training, over and above being a registered nurse. There is a wide range of temporary and permanent roles available with Bowler-Bentley Recruitment, you can click on the link here to find out more.

Being an oncology nurse  

As an oncology nurse, you would be detail-orientated, highly organised and present a calm and patient nature, even in stressful and high-pressure situations.

Your daily duties would include the following responsibilities:

• Coordinate the delivery of oncology treatments, such as the administration of chemotherapy, fluids, electrolyte replacements and other drugs, as prescribed
• Performing blood draws, IV placements and flushing of central lines
• Triage of new patients based on their condition and level of care needed
• Developing personalised care plans by assessing, planning, implementing and evaluating the patient’s condition, in compliance with best practice guidelines
• Supporting patients post-surgery by providing appropriate education to the patient and their families, regarding clinical information and their condition, to ensure effective understanding
• Bereavement counselling or referral thereof
• Adhering to the NMBI professional Code of Conduct

It is crucial that oncology nurses present quick-thinking abilities in order to assess and prioritise patient requirements, as well as collaborate with various medical specialists and departments. 

Salaries 

The industry standard for oncology nurses ranges from 38K € to 48K € and will increase based on your number of years of experience in the field. With competitive pay rates, Bowler-Bentley Recruitment will likely be able to push your salary beyond the “going rate”.

Qualifications required

To work as a theatre nurse in Ireland, you will be a registered nurse with the NMBI (Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland) or entitled to be so registered. Furthermore, you will have undergone specialist training in order to hone in on the skills required in oncology nursing.

Oncology nursing skills

As an oncology nurse, you will:

• Be an enthusiastic and active key player within your team and department
• Promote positive, respectful and compassionate relationships with your patients and their families, through excellent interpersonal skills, including active listening
• Maintain organised and accurate nursing records/reports
• Demonstrate flexibility to ensure nursing resource needs are met  
• Provide the highest quality of care, in an ethical manner, ensuring the patient's dignity and that their needs are met
• Present a calm and patient nature, even in stressful and high-pressure situations
• Display quick-thinking abilities to assess and prioritise patient requirements
• Be motivated to progress your skills further and participate in personal development opportunities
• Be competent at using a computer 
• Exhibit outstanding time management skills 
• Be able to work off your own initiative
• Display high attention to detail
• Adhere to all local policies and procedures

Where can you go with oncology nursing? 

As an oncology nurse, your specialist skills are highly desirable, enabling you to progress into a number of different roles. You can become an oncology nurse who specialises in the following sectors: Breast Cancer care; Pediatric Hematology oncology, Blood & Marrow transplants, and many more.

With experience, you may want to progress into roles with more responsibility, such as a senior leadership or managerial role, or you may want to become a highly-skilled oncology nurse consultant. Some oncology nurses go on to be involved in research, publishing their findings and knowledge acquired after years of experience. Oncology nursing is a great career path that makes for a bright future.

How can you progress in your career? 

New job opportunities arise on a daily basis, so if you are open to a career in oncology nursing, take a look through our job posts page on our website or get in touch directly. 

Bowler-Bentley Recruitment will not only ensure the right job fit for you but will also advise and support you in your unique challenges, as well as your long-term development. 

Moving to Ireland

We have successfully placed domestic and international oncology nurse candidates with clients in Ireland. If you are interested in relocating to Ireland for a theatre nursing role, please get in touch with Bowler-Bentley Recruitment.