[pRNss808]

I just wanted input from anyone who has been in this field, especially experienced oncology nurses:

What are important characteristics of an oncology nurse?

What makes oncology a unique field among other specialties?

[Soneshine]

1. Good assessment skills (looking at patients/family in a holistic manner). Cancer affects every aspect of the patient's/family member's life. Knowledge about the different type of cancers/drugs. Compassionate & good listening skills!

2. Oncology is a unique field because of the patient population. Generally speaking, cancer patients have a different perspective on life. They are faced with the possibility of death/dying. Many patients find a deeper meaning/understanding of life. Many strengthen bonds with family/friends that they would have otherwise taken for grantid. Also, nurses see patients frequently & stronger relationships are established!

[pRNss808]

Originally Posted by Soneshine

2. Oncology is a unique field because of the patient population. Generally speaking, cancer patients have a different perspective on life. They are faced with the possibility of death/dying. Many patients find a deeper meaning/understanding of life. Many strengthen bonds with family/friends that they would have otherwise taken for grantid. Also, nurses see patients frequently & stronger relationships are established!

Yes! I strongly agree. While in nursing school, I spent 4 semesters in different areas of oncology (peds inpt, peds outpt and adult inpt). I made strong connections with many patients, as they were coming in and out of the hospital. And that's the very reason why I have this big interest in oncology.

[GrumpyRN63]

It's a wonderful specialty, most non medical people do not understand.They think it would be terribly depressing. True it has it's moments, but it is a truly positive place to work. Oncology has taught me to be grateful for even the smallest of blessings, the changes of the seasons ,beautiful sunsets ,fresh laundry,great coffee, even the simplest things in life are extraordinary, and the most important thing that everyday is a gift. Patients have taught me what is really important in life, and I am very grateful for that.
Sometimes this works to my disadvantage b/c I'll procrastinate on a lot of things too, but ultimately it keeps me very grounded, appreciative of everything I have, and has made me become a much more go-with-the-flow kind of person --some day that laundry will be put away!
If your a real "people person" you develop very special relationships with the pt and families over months and years-- it is the ultimate in primary nursing, not drive thru medicine, really unmatched in any other area of nursing, JMHO

[greenmiler]

Thanks for that grumpy..I start orientation for my first nursing job on monday in oncology

PS Sounds like its time to change your name

[pRNss808]

Originally Posted by GrumpyRN63

It's a wonderful specialty, most non medical people do not understand.They think it would be terribly depressing. True it has it's moments, but it is a truly positive place to work. Oncology has taught me to be grateful for even the smallest of blessings, the changes of the seasons ,beautiful sunsets ,fresh laundry,great coffee, even the simplest things in life are extraordinary, and the most important thing that everyday is a gift. Patients have taught me what is really important in life, and I am very grateful for that.
Sometimes this works to my disadvantage b/c I'll procrastinate on a lot of things too, but ultimately it keeps me very grounded, appreciative of everything I have, and has made me become a much more go-with-the-flow kind of person --some day that laundry will be put away!
If your a real "people person" you develop very special relationships with the pt and families over months and years-- it is the ultimate in primary nursing, not drive thru medicine, really unmatched in any other area of nursing, JMHO

I aboslutely feel the same way about this specialty. And friends who are working in these particular units just don't understand and think that it is just like any other specialty. I hope that the recruiters/managers can see how passionate I am in this field as I continue to pursue my career!

[GrumpyRN63]

Originally Posted by greenmiler

Thanks for that grumpy..I start orientation for my first nursing job on monday in oncology

PS Sounds like its time to change your name

Thanks and good luck... BTW, I am not a grumpy person ,I am very positive and upbeat. I AM Grumpy over a lot of changes I've seen over the years, customer service based management, nickel and dime staffing, feeling unsupported.. I still love being a nurse, but a sometimes frustrated one!!

[greenmiler]

Originally Posted by GrumpyRN63

Thanks and good luck... BTW, I am not a grumpy person ,I am very positive and upbeat. I AM Grumpy over a lot of changes I've seen over the years, customer service based management, nickel and dime staffing, feeling unsupported.. I still love being a nurse, but a sometimes frustrated one!!

I know your not; I can tell...Just teasing you

[Gingbro]

I have always had a passion for Oncology. When I graduated, I was not able to obtain a position in oncology. I took a position in dialysis because I saw the similarities. Both deal with terminal illnesses and I believed dialysis would help me in my goal to someday obtain a position in oncology. I have been offered an oncology position and am hearing that it is a truly busy unit compared to dialysis and I would be crazy to change specialties. Still, I would like to experience it for myself. I would appreciate some feedback from you oncology nurses and what to expect.