Hey. Im just feeling really lost, and feel like I need to get it out of my system.

Im a 20yo RN in Australia. I am about to complete my graduate year. I was accepted into all the hosp's i applied for, and accepted the dream job. I have done rotations in ICU, a cardiac recovery unit, and lastly in a haematology setting.

I have honestly loved it, and have received brilliant reports.

My main issue is that i am coming to a crossroad. I have to decide whether to persue cardiac or oncology/haematology. I have roughly a fortnight before my application must be lodged. I have kind of been pre-approved in both areas, but I dont know which is best for me in the long run.

I love cardiac, but there are a lot of young people in the area, and the environment is somewhat less supportive than haematology. I get the impression that haematology is somewhat more adaptive and supportive.

I would LOVE to work overseas, most likely Europe in prob 2009/10. I aim to complete post-graduate diploma by this time, then travel using this qualification. I love learning, so i feel this is achievable.

Any advice on which path i should take?

Both areas fascinate me, i get on with the staff, and pick up on problematic patients (those most likely to crash, etc.). Will i have better luck finding work overseas in cardiac than haematology? Haematology at my hosp is a much harder area to get into, i dont want to give this oppurtunity away without knowing its the right choice.

Sorry to sound so desperate, but 90% of my mates are non-nursing guys... and so much is happening in my life atm that i dont really feel i can speak openly to my female nursing friends.

I appreciate ANY advice or opinions whatsoever.

Thanks VERY muchly.

X

i love cardiac, but there are a lot of young people in the area, and the environment is somewhat less supportive than haematology. i get the impression that haematology is somewhat more adaptive and supportive.

i would love to work overseas, most likely europe in prob 2009/10. i aim to complete post-graduate diploma by this time, then travel using this qualification. i love learning, so i feel this is achievable.

any advice on which path i should take?

both areas fascinate me, i get on with the staff, and pick up on problematic patients (those most likely to crash, etc.). will i have better luck finding work overseas in cardiac than haematology?

i appreciate any advice or opinions whatsoever.

thanks very muchly.

x

i vote for cardiac - you will get a great foundation that will be in demand anywhere. you can always change and go to hemotology later if you want a change of pace/new experience but if you like patient's who are about to "crash" or icu units then cardiac is one of the many issues your patient's will probably have a problem with!

don't look at it that it's "unsupportive" - you will find someone to guide you, do you homework, keep up with areas you feel weak in - and you will be an experienced nurse in demand all over the world if you pick up critical care skills!

good luck

you can always change and go to hemotology later if you want a change of pace/new experience but if you like patient's who are about to "crash" or icu units then cardiac is one of the many issues your patient's will probably have a problem with!

few patients "crash" harder or faster than those we care for in heme/onc.

Both options sound wonderful to me. I would do some research on facilities you may want to work at in the future, locally or overseas to help guide you as to what nursing experience you will need.

I vote Hematology. I think it would give you a stronger foundation. FIrst you say it is a harder job to get and your already approved. Second you say they are more supportive. Till you have been on the floor a few years, supportive is gonna give you the base and foundation for a solid practice in Europe. Cardiac experience is in high demand though.

cardiac experience will likely make you more rounded and marketable.

but as in any nsg position, i need to evaluate the work environment as a major, deciding factor.

with oncology, your nsg experience will be more holistically-based.

as you will be treating the body, mind and spirit.

for me, that is much more valuable.

and you'd be working in a more supportive environment.

and lastly, no matter where you go in europe, there will always be someone who has cancer...as well as cardiac issues.

overall, i think oncology will be a much better experience.

best of everything to you.

leslie