Our specialty is quality cancer care

"The life cycle of the oncology nurse is the career trajectory of the individual nurse. For some nurses, it expands from the point prior to entry into the profession to the stage of senior leadership" (McDonnell & Ferrell, 1992). In conjunction with Oncology Nursing Month (April 28-May 31), five nurses at different points in their careers--from new graduate to seasoned practitioner--share their insights into oncology nursing and the trajectory within their individual careers. The ONS Life Cycle Task Force identified several essential concepts that are major influences throughout the life cycle of the oncology nurse, including critical incidents, influential people, balancing roles, volunteerism, nature of the work, patient and family outcomes, essences of oncology nursing, diversity, specialization, and environment culture. These influences are apparent in the stories of each of the nurses featured in this article.