innovation to ensure that complex cancer care evolves in response to patient needs, emerging science, and workforce realities.
Wherever your career ambitions take you, you can maintain connections and continue advancing in the field of oncology.
A Career to Consider
Anne’ s story shows how oncology nursing focuses not only on cancer, but also on the possibilities that endure despite its challenges. It is the steadying voice that translates complex science into something a family can hold onto, the careful assessment that catches a change early, and the quiet advocacy that protects a patient’ s dignity, priorities, and hope— whether that means managing side effects, coordinating care, or simply making room for an important day on the calendar. The work keeps you learning as therapies advance, but it also deepens the kind of practice that can’ t be memorized from a textbook: presence, trust, and the ability to meet people where they are.
If you feel drawn to this specialty, let that curiosity guide your next step. Seek experiences in oncology: shadow a nurse in an infusion center, request a clinical rotation on an inpatient oncology unit, attend a tumor board if you can, or volunteer with a cancer support organization. Talk with oncology nurses about the moments that shaped them and the skills they’ ve built over time.
You do not need to decide your entire career right now. You only need to stay open to where your interests may lead— because oncology may become the place where your knowledge expands, your compassion strengthens, and your nursing voice finds a lasting purpose.
References
Brenan, M.( 2026). Nurses continue to lead in honesty and ethics ratings. Gallup. https:// news. gallup. com / poll / 700736 / nurses-continue-lead-honesty-ethics-ratings. aspx https:// news. gallup. com / poll / 700736 / nurses-continue-lead-honesty-ethics-ratings. aspx
Burbage, D.( 2025). Technology and human connection guide oncology nurse to transform the next 50 years of cancer care. ONS Voice. https:// www. ons. org / publications-research / voice / stories / 12-2025 / technology-and-human-connection-guide-oncology-nurse
Caffrey, L. A., & Scuralli, S.( 2026). Transforming the ambulatory oncology nursing orientation preceptor experience. Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing, 30( 2), 156 – 160. https:// doi. org / 10.1188 / 26. CJON. 156-160
Fischer-Cartlidge, E., & Rosenzweig, M.( 2026). Closing the gap between practice and research through PhD and DNP collaborations. Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing, 30( 1), E3 – E12. https:// doi. org / 10.1188 / 26. CJON. S1. E3-E12
Gordon, R., & Bourgeois, J.( Eds.).( 2025). Manual for oncology clinical research nursing. Oncology Nursing Society. https:// www. ons. org / store / books / manual-oncology-clinical-research-nursing-first-edition
MacIntyre, J.( 2024). As advanced practice roles expand in oncology, here’ s how ONS supports their significant impact. ONS Voice. https:// www. ons. org / publications-research / voice / news-views / 09-2024 / advanced-practice-roles-expand-oncology-heres-how
Miller, K., & Hart, A. S.( 2026). A nurse-driven port access algorithm to reduce central line – associated bloodstream infections. Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing, 30( 2), 147 – 151. https:// doi. org / 10.1188 / 26. CJON. 147-151
Obi, C.( 2025). The oncology nurse’ s role in interprofessional collaboration in clinical research. ONS Voice. https:// www. ons. org / publications-research / voice / newsviews / 07-2025 / oncology-nurses-role-interprofessional-collaboration
Oncology Nursing Society & Academy of Oncology Nurse and Patient Navigators.( 2025). Role of the oncology nurse navigator throughout the cancer trajectory [ Position statement ]. https:// www. ons. org / network-advocacy / position-statements / role-oncology-nurse-navigator-throughout-cancer-trajectory
Snively, A.( 2025). Highly localized, precision radiation therapies require nurses to drive care coordination, patient education. ONS Voice. https:// www. ons. org / publications-research / voice / news-views / 11-2025 / highly-localized-precision-radiation-therapies
Wempe, E. P.( 2025). Expanding the scope: The emergence of interventional oncology nursing. Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing, 29( 6), E1 – E2. https:// doi. org / 10.1188 / 25. CJON. S1. E1-E2
Bio
Jaime Weimer, MSN, RN, AGCNS-BC, AOCNS ®, is the Manager of Oncology Nursing Practice at the Oncology Nursing Society, where she leads initiatives to advance oncology nursing education, professional development, and evidence-based practice, including serving as host of the ONS Podcast™. She has more than 19 years of experience in oncology nursing across ambulatory care, care coordination, and quality accreditation. Jaime is passionate about supporting nurses, especially those early in their careers, as they navigate the complexity of cancer care and build sustainable, fulfilling careers in oncology nursing.
Ryne Wilson, DNP, RN, OCN, CNE, is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the School of Nursing and faculty member of the Masonic Cancer Center at the University of Minnesota. He currently serves at President-Elect of the Oncology Nursing Society.
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