Med - Surg Oncology RN
Company : Catholic Health Initiatives
Location : Tacoma, WA, 98405
Job Type : Full Time
Salary : 46.02-76.71 HOUR
Date Posted : 14 January 2026
Job Summary and Responsibilities
We’re proud to be among the best cancer programs in the country accredited by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer, adhering to the highest standards of cancer patient care and outcomes. We’re one of the largest cancer care providers in the Puget Sound, treating thousands of patients annually.
Thoracic oncology surgeons at St. Joseph Medical Center earned the elite three-star rating from the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) for stage 1 lung cancer lobectomy. It is the society’s highest rating and only awarded to the top five percent of thoracic surgery programs in the United States. The three-star designation reflects results significantly better than the national average for 30-day mortality and length of hospital stay after lobectomy for lung cancer for the period January 2012 through December 2016.
Job Summary:
This position is responsible for providing professional nursing care specifically to adult, oncology/hematology patients.
Essential Job Functions:
- Administers chemotherapy and biotherapies.
- Applies knowledge of current cancer treatment modalities to patient care.
Education/Work Experience:
- Graduation from an accredited school of nursing.
- Possession of a BSN degree is preferred.
- A minimum of two years in an oncology acute care setting or related work experience (ie. Med/Surg or ICU/PCU) is preferred.
- One year in chemotherapy administration preferred.
Licensure/Certification:
- Current licensure as a Registered Nurse issued by the Washington State Board of Nursing.
- Current Healthcare BLS Certification.
- Certification in Oncology Nursing preferred.
Virginia Mason Franciscan Health has a rich history of providing exceptional healthcare, dating back to 1891. Building upon a legacy of compassionate care and innovation, our organization has evolved over the years through strategic partnerships and integrations to expand our reach and services across the Puget Sound area.
Today, as Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, we remain deeply committed to healing the whole person – body, mind, and spirit – in the communities we serve. This commitment is strengthened by the diverse expertise and shared values brought together through our growth.
Our dedicated providers offer a full spectrum of health care services, from routine wellness to complex disease management, all grounded in rigorous research and education. Our comprehensive network of 10 hospitals and nearly 300 care sites strategically located across the greater Puget Sound region reflects our ongoing commitment to accessibility and comprehensive care.
We are proud of our pioneering medical advances and numerous awards and accreditations that reflect our dedication to excellence. When you join Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, you become part of a team that delivers top-quality, professional healthcare in modern, well-equipped facilities, and contributes to a legacy of service built on collaboration and shared purpose.
Related Jobs
Top trending job titles hiring now
Popular Searches for Med - Surg Oncology RN
Frequently asked questions
Med - Surg Oncology RNs in Tacoma specialize in adult oncology and hematology care, focusing on administering chemotherapy and biotherapies. Unlike general med-surg nurses, they apply specialized cancer treatment knowledge, managing complex patient needs within accredited cancer programs, which demands advanced skills in oncology nursing protocols.
Preferred credentials include a BSN degree, Washington RN licensure, and oncology nursing certification. Experience with chemotherapy administration and oncology acute care is highly valued, reflecting the state's emphasis on specialized cancer care and patient safety in facilities like Catholic Health Initiatives.
Nurses can advance toward oncology clinical nurse specialist roles, nurse navigator positions, or leadership within outpatient oncology clinics. Tacoma’s robust healthcare network offers pathways into research nursing or specialized therapies, supporting professional development aligned with evolving cancer care standards.
Catholic Health Initiatives emphasizes comprehensive oncology care with access to accredited programs and cutting-edge treatment modalities. They invest in continuous education and certification support, fostering a collaborative environment that enhances nursing expertise in complex cancer therapies.
Catholic Health Initiatives offers a legacy of compassionate, whole-person care combined with access to top-tier thoracic oncology programs. Nurses benefit from multidisciplinary teams, modern facilities, and a culture focused on innovation and patient-centered outcomes, setting it apart locally.
Tacoma's demand for oncology RNs remains strong due to its growing healthcare infrastructure and specialized cancer centers. While competition exists, candidates with oncology certification and chemotherapy experience have an advantage, reflecting regional efforts to maintain high-quality cancer care.
Certification in oncology nursing (OCN) is highly regarded locally, along with current BLS. Some Tacoma employers may value additional credentials like chemotherapy certification or advanced cardiac life support (ACLS), highlighting a commitment to specialized patient safety standards.
Med - Surg Oncology RNs in Tacoma earn between $85,000 and $105,000 annually, influenced by experience and certifications. This range is competitive regionally, slightly below some urban hubs but balanced by Tacoma’s cost of living and strong healthcare benefits.
The organization emphasizes holistic care not just for patients but for staff, offering flexible scheduling options and wellness programs. This approach helps Med - Surg Oncology RNs manage the emotional demands of cancer care while maintaining personal well-being.
Challenges include managing high patient volumes and complex treatment regimens. Catholic Health Initiatives counters this with strong interprofessional collaboration, access to advanced oncology resources, and ongoing staff education to ensure safe, effective patient care.