BestNursingDegree.com interviews oncology nurse, Carl Brown, PhD, RN, AOCN. Carl has been working in oncology nursing for more than 20 years and was the former president of the Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation. He is currently the President of the Oncology Nursing Society and an Assistant Professor at the University of Delaware School of Nursing.
How will you deal with job-related stress?
Employers will ask this question to know how you’re able to perform well, even amid pressure.
Common Oncology Nurse Interview Questions and Answers
Interview panels all over the world are different from each other.
They are likely to ask different types of questions, depending on the institution’s culture and the interviewer’s personality.
However, there are some questions that are commonly asked in oncology nurse interviews.
Here are 7 of the most common oncology nurse interview questions, along with example answers.
What are the different types of cancer and what are the stages?
This is a basic question that is commonly asked in oncology nurse interviews.
The interviewer wants to assess your knowledge of cancer.
They want to know if you are familiar with the different types of cancer, as well as the different stages of cancer.
Example answer:
See also: Oncology Medical Assistant Interview Questions
This is another common question that is asked in oncology nurse interviews.
The interviewer wants to know more about you as a person.
He or she wants to know about your background, as well as your interests and hobbies.
This is a chance for you to show the interviewer that you are more than just a qualified nurse.
Example answer:
See also: Tell Me About Yourself Nursing Interview
What made you want to work for us?
As previously mentioned, companies will also want to know what you know about them so far.
So be honest and tell them what got you interested in working for them, but never mention that it’s because of the high pay.
Instead, say positive things about the company and align those positive things with your personal goals as an oncology nurse.
See also: Infusion Nurse Interview Questions
Q: What specialized skills are required of oncology nurses?
A nurse has to have great assessment skills. I learned very quickly to listen to patients, and what they’re saying. Those [skills] grow the longer that you’re a nurse.
Q: What would you tell students interested in the field?
At the Oncology Nursing Society, we invite high school students into our local chapter meetings. For a high school student, if they have opportunities in the summer to do some kind of volunteer work, [they should]. Once in nursing school, every nursing student has many, many hours of clinical time. If you think you have an interest in oncology, then ask that you be put on an oncology floor or in an oncology clinic or maybe travel with a hospice nurse – that would really be the best.
I also have experience with bereavement counseling and helping families cope with the loss of a loved one. My goal is always to ensure that each patient has the best quality of life possible until the very end. I strive to make sure they are comfortable and surrounded by love and understanding.”
In addition, I strive to create a supportive environment for my patients. This includes providing emotional support through open communication and offering resources such as online support groups or counseling services. Finally, I always make sure to follow up with my patients after each appointment to ensure that they feel comfortable with their care plan and answer any questions that may have arisen since our last meeting.”
Example: “Yes, I am certified as an oncology nurse. I have been working in the field of oncology nursing for over 10 years and hold a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing from ABC University. During my time in this profession, I have gained extensive experience caring for patients with cancer, providing them with compassionate care and support throughout their treatment journey. I have also completed specialized training courses to stay up-to-date on the latest advances in oncology treatments and technologies. My certifications include Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN) and Advanced Oncology Certified Nurse Practitioner (AOCNP).
Additionally, I also worked on a project focused on improving communication between nurses and patients with cancer. We developed an educational program designed to teach nurses how to effectively communicate with their patients about their diagnosis and treatment options. This program has since been implemented at many hospitals and clinics across the country, helping to improve patient care and satisfaction.”
Oncology nurses must have a strong understanding of cancer and the treatments available. They must also be able to provide support and information to patients and their families.