[taboo]

I just wanted a little bit of advise before I make this big change. I have worked for a medical equipment company for five years and have been the manager for three years. I am also a board certified orthotic fitter and mastectomy fitter. I deal with doctors and nurses on a day to day bases and I have alot of knowlege about medical equipment and devices for patients. We do everything from orthotic bracing, mastectomy fittings, diabetic shoes, oxygen, cpap equipment, and colostomy supplies. I have found in my years of employment in this field that I have grown to love my mastectomy patients the most and in the meantime I have become burned out on the retail side of the buisness. I just want hands on patient care!!! I have decided to go back to school and pursue my RN and I know this may sound silly but I want to specialize in oncology right out of school and hopefully work in a breast care center. I know this is alot to demand but I know I can do it and I am asking if anyone can give me any advise for what I am up against or what to expect i would appreciate it.

[tkhayman]

Hello,
Nursing is rewarding but can be also very draining. If this is what you want to do then go ahead. You can start at an oncology unit or post op med surg floor. I am in the process of interviewing for a job in breast center. So i am still new to this area.

[photonurse11]

I have found that oncology nursing is a very rewarding career. The pt., as you well know, are very appreciative of any little thing that you do for them. However, it is easily to get burned out on this end also.

You will enjoy your new career in nursing no matter if you go into solid tumor, malignant tumor, bone marrow transplant, hematology or whatever you wish - the field is wide open.

Congrats on your new career choice!