[cwinlv]

Hi,

I'm a nursing student in my last year of school who was just hired as a "nurse apprentice" (NAP) on the oncology unit of one of our local hospitals. I'll be able to perform all skills that I've been taught in school under the supervision of an RN, with the exception of blood transfusions, central lines, IV pushes, and chemo admin.

I'm trying to research the field to determine what to expect and have found several excellent articles about the principles/fundamentals of oncology nursing. In the meantime, I'd love to hear from others who are in the field about what to expect as not only a new (almost) nurse, but as a new oncology nurse. I have experienced a bout of cancer myself and can offer honest empathy with those undergoing radiation treatments.

Thanks for your input!
Christy

[ONSnrs]

Hello Christy,
You have picked what i believe to be one of the most rewarding fields in nursing. If nursing is a calling from God then Oncology nursing is a higher calling.
You are right that your past experiences with Cancer will make you that much more empathetic to your patients, they will love you.
Let me strongly suggest that if you are serious about Onclogy nursing then join the Oncology nurse society.www,ons.org, join both the national chapter and your local chapter. A plethera of information will be sent to you after joining, and your local chapter should have monthly meetings and networking with many free CEU's to help round out your Oncology education.
warmly,
oncnrs

[kahnefanrn]

I think that oncology nursing definately takes a special nurse. But as a nurse who has been in it since nursing school I love it. You probably know that patients and nurses that deal with cancer have a different relationship. And even the ones that don't beat it, it is very rewarding knowing that you helped them while they were here

[blueiwahine]

My experience with Oncology during clinicals was awesome and it is what helped me decide that is where I wanted to work when I graduated...I didn't go anywhere else to interview...I'm just starting on the oncology floor...actually worked on it only two day...the staff on the floor are awesome...their happy, compassionate, always willing to help their fellow co-worker out. I've had several nursing buddies who worked on the oncology floor as PCAs and loved the staff...There is definitely a different vibe on oncology than the other floors between the nurses and patients...I think I definitely made the right decision to work there and look forward to learning all I can about oncology. ")

[rnozaut]

I Just graduated this year with a BSN degree...I'm a 2nd courser. I use to work as a Chemist for a biotech company in Los Angeles which manufactures cancer drugs.
I just mailed my application for RN Licensing( EXamination) today.
When I pass the RN exam., I like to work as an Oncology Nurse...but don't know where to start.
Anyone knows a good Hospital in Southern California with a busy Oncology Unit???? and willing to train new RN?.
Any additional training you could suggest to prepare me to work in an Oncology Unit??? Thanks...

[AnaBanana12]

You can try City of Hope. Im not sure about the reputation about the hospital, but its one of the well known Oncology hospital

[chirakkal]

wonderfull