[tcelllab]

Did any of y'all work in research before going to nursing school? I currently work as a Research Specialist in a Cancer Immunology Lab at Hopkins. I've also worked in Clinical Cancer Cytogenetics as well as general Clinical Cytogenetics.

I love my work but have been considering a major career change and becoming an RN. I had planned on applying to nursing school way back in college but ended up getting married, moving across the country and working while my husband earned his PhD. Then we moved to a very isolated location and there were no BSN/MSN programs closer than 100 miles and I was a SAHM for several years.

Now that we are in a major metro area and there are multiple programs to choose from I am really getting excited about the prospect of going into nursing. I would be applying in Nov 2009 most likely because I need to take a few pre-reqs. I have a BS in Biological Science and a BA in Anthropology.

I guess I should add that I do have some "caregiving" type experience - I was a respite care provider for developmentally disabled/medically fragile/HIV-positive/etc. children as a second job and I volunteered as a respite care provider for pediatric cancer patients in college. Between those jobs and being a mom I've cleaned up plenty of vomit, feces and blood so I don't see that as a problem.

Oncology nursing is where I think I would like to end up but I guess I should be open to whatever feels right during clinical rotations, huh? I'm also wondering about pursuing an MSN also and if there is really any advantage to having one in Onc nursing?

I work very closely with 2 oncology fellows every day and have talked to them about what I'm considering. Both were surprised I didn't want to just go to med school but understood that being an MD is not the role for me. One of them did say that he would be happy to introduce me to several of the nurses so that I could get some firsthand opinions/advice, esp. about nursing at Hopkins specifically. I'm also thinking I will look into volunteering at the hospital or cancer center if it works with my work schedule which is generally very flexible.

If you've made it this far, thanks for reading. By nature I like to gather as much information as possible when formulating a plan and I can see that allnunrses.com will be a great resource.

Angela

[anc33]

If you are interested in nursing school you might want to get in touch with some of the faculty at Hopkins SON. I know two of the faculty well and both focus on oncology. I am wondering if Hopkins would pay tuition for you as I know JHH pays for their RNs to continue their education. Feel free to PM me.