How to become an oncology nurse in Australia

Trigger warning: This article covers themes related to cancer treatment, death and cancer-related patient experiences, which may be distressing for some individuals. Reader discretion is advised.

According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, between 2000 and 2023, the number of cancer cases in Australia increased by 88 per cent while cancer-related deaths rose by 41 per cent. As the incidence and prevalence of cancer continue to grow, so too does the need for a capable workforce of oncology nurses that can provide quality care to patients and their families.

If you’re considering a career in this field, this article will guide you through the steps to becoming an oncology nurse in Australia, skills and attributes required, where oncology nurses work and more.

Oncology nurses in Australia: industry snapshot

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According to National Health Workforce data released in 2024, the oncology nursing workforce has grown by 20.6 per cent from 6,825 in 2021 to 8,234 in 2024 and this upward trend is expected to continue.

Recognising both the growing demand and the need to future-proof the workforce, in 2023, the Australian Government announced its largest ever investment in cancer nursing through the Australian Cancer Nursing and Navigation Program. In addition to providing patients with greater care throughout their treatment journey, the program aims to strengthen the workforce with approximately 250 Commonwealth-funded all cancer care nurses delivered in partnership with the McGrath Foundation expected to be in place by 2027.

Steps to becoming an oncology nurse in Australia

To become an oncology nurse in Australia, start by considering whether this emotionally demanding but rewarding field is right for you. You will then need to complete a Bachelor of Nursing, register with Ahpra and gain nursing experience.

From there, you can apply for oncology nursing roles and consider joining a professional association to support your development. To further enhance your skills, you may also pursue a postgraduate qualification in oncology nursing or a related specialty.

1. Reflect on whether oncology nursing is the right fit for you
   Working as an oncology nurse can be an incredibly meaningful career, offering the opportunity to support patients and families through some of the most challenging moments of their lives. While there are uplifting moments and stories of survival, there are also difficult moments where patients may experience setbacks or lose their battle with the disease.

   Before deciding to pursue this specialisation, it’s important to reflect on whether you’re prepared for both the emotional demands and clinical responsibilities of this field.

   While you are not expected to already have the qualities required for the profession, reflecting on your own responses to certain situations can help with gauging your readiness. For example, reflect on how you’ve felt or responded to emotionally challenging situations such as hearing difficult news or supporting someone through a tough period. This can offer insight into whether oncology nursing may be the right fit for you.

   If possible, consider also speaking with an oncology nurse to gain firsthand insights into both the rewards and challenges of working in oncology.

2. Complete a Bachelor of Nursing
   The first step to becoming an oncology nurse is to pursue a Bachelor of Nursing. The course will equip you with the foundational skills to care for people across all age groups and settings while also building your knowledge of nursing management principles.

   Clinical placement is also a key component of the course, giving you hands-on experience in healthcare environments. For example, at the University of Canberra, students studying a Bachelor of Nursing must complete a minimum of 800 hours of supervised practice across a range of regional and local healthcare settings. Where possible, you may be able to request your final year placements to be in an oncology ward to gain exposure to cancer care.

   If you already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field, you can consider pursuing a Master of Nursing (Graduate Entry) or an equivalent course. This accelerated pathway enables you to become a registered nurse in two years instead of three while still teaching the same essential skills and providing clinical placement opportunities.

3. Gain nursing experience
   After graduation, you must register with Ahpra before you can begin working as a nurse. A valuable way to begin building experience is through a graduate nurse program with an oncology focus.

   The Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre in Victoria, for instance, offers a graduate nurse program that may include two six-month rotations or a placement within one ward or unit for the full duration. As part of the program, graduate nurses can gain exposure in areas such as cancer imaging, day therapy, palliative care and radiotherapy.

   If you don’t secure a place in an oncology-focused graduate program, you can apply for graduate nurse programs in other streams, such as palliative care or acute care. You may also consider working in areas such as aged care or community health to develop your skills, many of which are transferable to oncology nursing.

   Once you have gained some nursing experience, you can consider enrolling in a transition to specialty practice program. These 12-month programs are designed for registered nurses who have no prior experience in cancer care but are looking to specialise in oncology. During the course of this program, you will develop the knowledge, skills and confidence required for effective oncology nursing practice.

4. Apply for oncology nursing jobs
   If you’ve completed a graduate nurse program or a transition to specialty practice program in oncology, there’s a high chance you will have the opportunity to transition into a permanent role within the same organisation. Otherwise, you can apply for jobs on platforms such as SEEK and Indeed.

   Most oncology nursing roles require at least one to two years of experience in cancer care, along with demonstrated competencies in managing central venous access devices (CVADs) and peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs). Skills in IV cannulation and administration of anti-cancer therapies are also highly regarded. If you have these skills, be sure to highlight them clearly in both your nursing resume and cover letter.

5. Join a professional association
   To support your career progression and expand your professional network, consider joining the Cancer Nurses Society of Australia (CNSA). This professional association is the peak professional body for over 7,700 dedicated cancer nurses across the country.

   Membership provides access to exclusive benefits including weekly webinars, a knowledge-sharing platform, professional development resources and a career mentoring program.

6. Upskill with a postgraduate oncology nursing course
   While not mandatory, a postgraduate qualification in oncology nursing is often viewed favourably by employers due to the specialised clinical competencies required in this field.

   If you’re seeking a short, flexible option, you may want to consider the Graduate Certificate in Cancer Nursing at Murdoch University. Delivered fully online, the course can be completed in six months full-time. You will study core units such as Foundational Concepts in Cancer Care and Clinical Management: Supportive Cancer Care and gain the specialised skills to deliver person-centred care to individuals living with cancer.

   For those looking to expand their clinical depth, the Graduate Diploma of Advanced Nursing (Oncology Nursing) at the University of Tasmania is a suitable option. This two-year, part-time course allows you to tailor your learning through one of three streams – nursing coursework, nursing research or nursing advanced practice.

   If you’re aiming to develop advanced clinical expertise in both cancer and blood disorders, the Master of Cancer and Haematology Nursing at the University of Sydney will expand your knowledge and clinical capabilities. This 18-month full-time course consists of core units such as Cancer and Haematology Nursing Practice and Navigating the Cancer Experience along with a range of electives and capstones.

   In addition to oncology-specific postgraduate courses, you might also consider pursuing further study in palliative care nursing or a leadership-focused postgraduate nursing course if you’re aiming to move into a nurse leadership role.

What is an oncology nurse?

An oncology nurse is a registered nurse who specialises in caring for individuals diagnosed with cancer. Their responsibilities may include administering medication and treatments, monitoring patient responses, collaborating with interdisciplinary teams and providing emotional support to patients and their families.

Oncology nurses care for patients with a wide range of cancer types, including bowel, breast, pancreatic, melanoma, bladder, lung, ovarian and testicular cancers. They may also work across a range of cancer services such as clinical haematology, radiation oncology and medical oncology.

What does an oncology nurse do?

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The typical roles and responsibilities of oncology nurses include:

• Assessing patient conditions and developing comprehensive nursing care plans
• Monitoring patients’ progress throughout treatment
• Educating patients and their families about treatments, procedures and potential side effects
• Administering infusions including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, monoclonal antibodies, iron infusions and blood transfusions
• Collaborating with healthcare professionals such as oncologists, radiographers and allied health professionals to coordinate and support patient care
• Offering guidance and reassurance to patients and families as they navigate the challenges of cancer treatment
• Participating in ongoing professional development to remain up-to-date with the latest advancements in oncology nursing practice

Oncology nurse salary

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According to Indeed, the average oncology nurse salary in Australia is $85,000. Salaries may vary, however, depending on factors such as experience and location.

Here are the average annual salaries for oncology nurses across each Australian state and territory:

• Queensland: $107,000
• Australian Capital Territory: $106,000
• Northern Territory: $95,000
• Western Australia: $94,000
• New South Wales: $86,000
• South Australia: $82,000
• Victoria: $82,000
• Tasmania: $65,000

Where do oncology nurses work?

Oncology nurses can work across a wide variety of healthcare settings. No matter the location, however, their role remains centred on delivering safe, compassionate and evidence-based care to people living with cancer.

Hospitals

Hospitals are one of the most common workplaces for oncology nurses, with most having dedicated oncology wards for patients undergoing cancer treatment. Within hospital settings, oncology nurses may work in:

Day oncology units

These are outpatient facilities where patients receive treatments such as chemotherapy without needing an overnight stay. Oncology nurses in these units focus on administering treatment, educating patients about self-care and supporting the management of side effects.

Inpatient oncology wards

Patients in inpatient oncology wards are admitted to the hospital for reasons such as surgery, intensive therapies or complex care needs. While some responsibilities overlap with nurses in day oncology units, nurses working in this area may also manage post-operative recovery, provide round-the-clock symptom management and coordinate care for patients with rapidly changing or unstable conditions.

Clinical trials

Oncology nurses in this setting care for patients enrolled in clinical trials. They perform nursing procedures while carefully documenting outcomes in accordance with trial protocols.

Haematology wards

These wards specialise in treating patients with blood cancers and blood disorders. Similar to day oncology units, oncology nurses working in these wards administer treatments, monitor patient progress and deliver comprehensive care.

Radiation oncology

In radiation oncology, nurses support patients through daily treatments that often run over several weeks. In this area, oncology nurses help to monitor side effects, educate patients and provide them with emotional support.

Home-based care

Some oncology nurses work with organisations that provide chemotherapy or immunotherapy in the patient’s home. These roles require advanced clinical skills, along with a high level of independence.

Specialist cancer centres

These centres offer dedicated cancer services similar to hospital oncology units. Nurses here provide evidence-based care, coordinate treatment and support patients and their families throughout the cancer journey.

Rural and remote settings

Oncology nurses working in rural and remote settings often care for people who may have reduced access to specialised cancer services. Nurses working in these areas typically work with a high degree of autonomy and usually have substantial experience as they are often required to manage a broad range of patient needs with limited resources.

Not-for-profit organisations

Oncology nurses can also work with not-for-profit organisations, such as the McGrath Foundation, which provides free nursing care and support to people experiencing cancer. In these roles, oncology nurses ensure patients and their families receive the clinical, psychosocial and emotional support they need throughout treatment.

Skills and qualities of an oncology nurse

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Being an oncology nurse requires more than just clinical proficiency, it also calls for qualities such as resilience and empathy. Below are some of the key skills and attributes that are essential for oncology nurses:

Strong clinical knowledge

Oncology nurses care for patients with a wide range of cancer types and treatment plans. To deliver safe and effective care, oncology nurses must have a solid understanding of treatment protocols, cancer pharmacology, common side effects and how to manage acutely unwell patients.

As oncology nursing is also relatively fast-paced, particularly in smaller units where you may be required to manage several responsibilities at once, having comprehensive clinical knowledge enables you to respond with confidence, make sound decisions under pressure and deliver high-quality, patient-centred care.

Emotional resilience

As an oncology nurse, you may encounter situations where a patient's condition has worsened or their treatment is no longer effective. These moments can have a significant impact on your mental wellbeing and make it hard not to get emotionally invested, particularly when you have developed a close relationship with the patient.

In these moments, emotional resilience is vital as the weight of these experiences can lead to burnout, compassion fatigue and blurred professional boundaries. With emotional resilience, it allows you to continue caring for patients while also safeguarding your own wellbeing.

Critical thinking

Oncology nursing demands sharp critical thinking skills to manage the unforeseen side effects or emergencies that can occur at any point during treatment. Patients can deteriorate quickly and in such situations, oncology nurses need to think on their feet, quickly assess the patient’s condition and decide on the most appropriate response.

Attention to detail

Precision is essential in oncology nursing, particularly when administering treatments such as chemotherapy. Former oncology nurse Madeline Kessler shares, “You’re administering cytotoxic chemicals that are incredibly potent so your precision has to be absolute.”

In addition to administering treatment, attention to detail is just as important when it comes to managing side effects and monitoring patient progress. As Madeline explains, “It is about not overlooking the subtleties.”

She shares an example from her time in oncology where she was taking care of a young boy with melanoma who was enrolled in clinical trials. “He mentioned having a headache and at first you might think it was just fatigue from long shifts working at Coles,” Madeline recalls. “But I didn’t dismiss it. We ordered scans and it turned out the melanoma had spread to his brain. Those little things matter and you have to be fastidious across all areas.”

Being empathetic

Cancer treatment is often overwhelming, not only for patients but also for loved ones. Concerns about side effects, uncertainty around treatment outcomes and anxiety about the future can place a significant emotional burden.

As an oncology nurse, you can help patients and their families cope with these emotions by demonstrating empathy. Being present, offering support, listening attentively and viewing the situation from their perspective can help them feel cared for and listened to during this difficult time.

Effective communication

As an oncology nurse, you will not only be communicating with patients and their families but also collaborating closely with other healthcare professionals.

With both groups, it is essential to recognise individual communication styles and adapt accordingly. Your approach should be clear, concise and easy to understand. When working with patients and families, asking open-ended questions to confirm understanding is particularly important, especially when explaining potential side effects and strategies for managing symptoms at home.

Teamwork

As an oncology nurse, you will regularly collaborate with a multidisciplinary team that might include oncologists, social workers, radiographers and other healthcare professionals. Effective collaboration is essential to ensure the best possible outcomes for patients and their families.

Exhibiting key teamwork qualities such as clear communication, respectful listening, conflict resolution and mutual support can help with cultivating a supportive work culture and positively impact the overall wellbeing of patients.

The ability to practise self-care and maintain professional boundaries

Oncology nursing can take an emotional toll on your wellbeing, which is why looking after yourself is just as important as caring for your patients. Practising self-care and setting professional boundaries helps you remain compassionate without being overwhelmed. Strategies might include engaging in reflecting practice, taking time to recharge outside of work or simply finding some moments for yourself during a busy shift.

Madeline also recommends debriefing with colleagues, even briefly during handover as a way to share disappointments and process challenging experiences. By caring for your own wellbeing, you sustain your ability to deliver the highest quality care to your patients without being consumed by the emotional demands of the role.

Is oncology nursing the right path for you?

Deciding whether oncology nursing is the right path for you requires careful thought. While the role is rewarding, there are also many elements to the role that could be challenging. Below are some things to consider to determine if oncology nursing is the right path for you:

You want to work in a meaningful career where you can build relationships with patients and families

Nursing is inherently relationship-centred, but oncology nursing takes this even further. Patients often return for treatment cycles over months or even years, so nurses become a consistent and trusted part of their journey. This creates opportunities to form strong relationships not only with patients but also with their families.

As Madeline shares, “We were able to build rapport and relationships with patients because they would often come back for chemotherapy cycles. You’d see the same patients returning monthly or every two weeks, so there was that continuity of care which was really rewarding.”

She also reflects on the positives that come with this continuity of care. “You could celebrate the wins of whether the chemotherapy was working, whether their scan results were promising, whether we could reduce some of the doses. You develop relationships with family and support members within that. So a very meaningful, long-term sort of relationship with your patients and their family members.”

You are able to maintain resilience amidst difficult situations

While oncology nursing has its positive moments, it also comes with difficult lows. As Madeline states, “Some of the downsides of oncology nursing were when things started to go wrong. Patients would come back and their disease would progress, they would get worse.” She also adds that one of the hardest aspects was not just seeing patients lose their battle with cancer, but witnessing the suffering they endured along the way.

If you want to work in oncology nursing, it is imperative that you set healthy boundaries and practise self-care. Madeline also emphasises that because nurses can witness death frequently in oncology, it can be helpful to “have a core belief structure and a core support network. Whether it be your church, your meditation group or whatever it is to help you go through those challenging moments in your career because it provides the framework and structure for you to navigate death and dying.”

You want to work in a multifaceted field that’s constantly evolving

Oncology is a rapidly evolving specialty with new research, treatment regimens and technologies emerging all the time.

Madeline shares that when she started in the field 30 years ago, if someone was diagnosed with colorectal cancer, they were typically treated with either recipe A or recipe B. Over time, however, she shares that “we have now established that there are many different types of colorectal cancer. By understanding more about the tumour cell types and doing all the research and investigation into how those cells respond outside of the body, we know that recipe A is not going to work for certain types of cancers."

With the field of oncology constantly advancing, it’s important that as an oncology nurse, you’re willing to learn, adapt and grow in order to remain at the forefront of the latest advancements.

You want a job that’s going to challenge you

Oncology nursing is not just about delivering treatments, it also pushes nurses to think beyond the treatment chair and take into account the patient’s physical health, mental wellbeing, social needs and family dynamics. In addition, the role can also stretch your emotional capacity and requires competent clinical skills to navigate complex situations with confidence.

While the demands of this role are considerable, Madeline views oncology as a highly rewarding specialty. “I think it’s a great specialty to get into. I think if you can manage oncology, it gives you a great foundation to be able to adapt to a lot of other challenges across other types of nursing.”

You are passionate about advocating for patients

Patient advocacy is central to oncology nursing. A cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming for patients and it is essential that their values, wishes and priorities are respected throughout the course of care.

As an advocate for your patient, you will play an essential role in ensuring patients have a voice, particularly when difficult decisions need to be made or when navigating treatment options. By championing the patient perspective, you can help create care plans that are individualised and centred on what matters most to the patient.

You enjoy working closely with a multidisciplinary team

If you enjoy working alongside and collaborating with others, oncology nursing may be a good fit. Cancer care is rarely delivered by a single professional, it relies on the combined expertise of a multidisciplinary team. In hospital settings for instance, oncology nurses frequently collaborate with oncologists, allied health professionals and other specialists to deliver care.

Reflecting on her time in oncology, Madeline shared, “Being able to help and work with a great team of doctors and nurses to best manage the suffering was probably the greatest reward in oncology.” She also shared that the bond she built with her fellow oncology nurses was unlike anything she had experienced in other specialties, highlighting the strong sense of connection and shared purpose that defines this field.

Build a rewarding career in oncology nursing

Oncology nursing is a career that challenges you and offers countless opportunities to learn and grow. You will support patients and families through some of their most difficult moments, but also celebrate the wins alongside them. While it isn’t an easy career path, it’s also one of the most meaningful paths in nursing.

For Madeline, she shares that she enjoyed oncology nursing because “there was so much to learn and it was incredibly multifaceted.” She also mentioned that it was “challenging, really rewarding and deeply meaningful.”

If you’d like to pursue oncology nursing as a career and would like to complete a postgraduate nursing course in cancer nursing or oncology nursing, there are plenty of courses to choose from on GlobalHealth Education. Healthcare courses are also offered in other disciplines such as psychology, counselling, social work, health leadership and management, occupational therapy and physiotherapy.