Hi!

I just graduated this past May from nursing school at Boston College. I start work at Children's Hospital here in Boston on Monday on a bone marrow transplant floor and general oncology floor. To say the least, I am just a bit anxious! I know this is what I want to do, but like many grads, I feel totally unprepared. I am basically just looking for some advice for a new grad - what should I expect, what can I do to make the transition easier etc. - all advice is welcomed! Thank you!

Jen

Jen,

You'll be fine. Just keep an open mind, look for every opportunity to learn and since you're on BMT/OC floor....keep a drug reference book close by and don't forget the five R's!!

Good luck!!!

You may want to read Jessie's Story and info to share with parents after their child goes through chemo and marrow transplants. Don't be fooled by the web site address.

http://www.headlice.org/jesseproject/

I started out on a hem/onc/bmt unit as a new grad. I was in orientation for six weeks and I asked for two more. I learned so much there. Not just skills but about how to complete tasks in different ways. I think that floor taught me there was more than one way to skin a cat. Nursing school teaches you one way and actual floor nursing teaches you how to do things in the real world. You will go through a reality shock phase and everyone does. Some days you will feel like you are in over your head and other days you will be grand about yourself. Just give yourself time to adjust. You will learn blood products and the chemo types, effects and extravastion information in depth. Good experience.

renerian

Sorry for the typos on the previous post........I am a horrible speller....................................good nurse though.......LOL.

renerian

hi jen!

i just read your text and hope you had a good start!

i ´m livin in germany and passed my exam in april. since then, i´m working at the oncologic- haematologic unit of a big children´s hospital. even though i still have to learn a lot about all the different therapies and all that, i love it a lot .

i´m very interestet to talk a little your about work in the u.s., so everyone who´s reading this, feel free to answer!

julia

Originally posted by JenSpen18

Hi!

I just graduated this past May from nursing school at Boston College. I start work at Children's Hospital here in Boston on Monday on a bone marrow transplant floor and general oncology floor. To say the least, I am just a bit anxious! I know this is what I want to do, but like many grads, I feel totally unprepared. I am basically just looking for some advice for a new grad - what should I expect, what can I do to make the transition easier etc. - all advice is welcomed! Thank you!

en

Hello Jen!

My best advice is to be yourself, ask your superviser as often you can! When I have to train some new nurses I try to convince them that it is better to ask to much, then too little. And then I will become secure as a superviser when you ask me about thing, I will get to know you, and visa versa. Maybe you will expire (that was not the wright word, bur you understand) that I also have to ask, even I am old in business..

:)

Florry I started on a hem/onc/bmt unit after I graduated. I worked there as a senior student and they offered me the job right out of school after seeing my work I guess. I got six weeks orientation and asked for two more weeks. Of course alot is learn as you go. I am sure you will be fine.

renerian

I am currently working at Boston Children's on another unit am familiar with the unit you will be working on. It is a great unit with an exceptional staff. I'm sure you will get all the help and support you need. It will be tough but definetly worth it. Good Luck!