[goodspiritsRN]

I Am in my second year of nursing. The school I go to requires you to achieve your LPN first and then acceptance to their RN program. So I am in the RN program because I have such a passion for Oncology. I was able to get my school to give us a rotation into the Oncology department in our first year (LPN) because of my passion. The class loved it and got a great experience. My question is to those of you out there...is it possible to bypass the med surge floor and go straight into Oncology? I want nothing else but to Oncology. It is because of my life experience, that is where my heart is, and that is what drove me nursing.

[ericalynn]

yes it is. i am working in medical oncology right now, so it involves med-surg and oncology at the same time. i just graduated in June myself. i think oncology nursing is something that one needs to be passionate about in order to be most helpful to the patients, some of the people we see have very poor prognosis', and sometimes things can progress rather quickly which can be disheartening if you don't have a passion for it. good luck

[calledtonurse]

Absolutely! I never thought I would like oncology when I started nursing school, then I got a taste of it! I love it. I completed my professional residency in oncology this summer and have just started my internship. If it is something you are passionate about, you will look forward to going in to work each day. Our patients give me so much in return for the care I give them. It's a win-win situation.

[globalRN]

It Is A Privilege To Work With Most Of Them
They Teach You About Living Life And Not Sweating The Small Stuff

[goodspiritsRN]

Thank you all very much for your posts. I look forward to being able to work in Oncology. 6 more months to go to get my RN.

Happy Holidays to you all!

[jhlynngirl]

I did
I went from RN school to a pediatric oncology internship, to adult oncology, and I absolutley love it!! I am going into my second year of nursing.

It is alot to learn, but it can be done. Be prepared to give yourself some time and don't be too hard on yourself while learning. It is a big chunk. Find yourself a good mentor, someone you can learn from. Outpatient chemo is a great way to start. Learn the different chemos and see there toxicities and infusion reactions. Once you grasp the basic concepts, then move into a hopsital setting, where you can continue to learn the deeper levels of the cancer experience. It will make all the difference.

Second, don't hold back on hugs to your patients! I have met some of the greatest people of my life, and I am truly grateful! I think my patients do more for me that I do for them.

Good luck!

[menzoberranzen]

Yes, it is. I am applying for an oncology CNA position at OHSU with plans to become an OCN. Why? My wife was diagnosed with ALL. We had only been married 8 months when we got the news. I was devastated when I got the phone call. I have been at my wife's side, literally, throughout the entire process. I have even slept with her in the hospital rooms (on a very uncomfortable cot) during the many nights she was admitted. We have met so many beautiful people at our cancer clinic; patients, nurses and doctors. Our clinic is our second home, and the people are our extended family. Going through cancer is not just a personal experience, it is a community experience. When I spiritually analyze the last year, I give thanks for the higher understanding of personal, familial and communal love. I could, and should, write pages on the answer to your question, but the one thing that rises to the top of my cerebellum is: the oncology nurse is a blessed one indeed.

[PJay33]

Yes, your passion for Oncology will get you to your goal! I am a mother of a child cancer survivor. My twin dgtr was dx with Osteosarcoma at age 12 yrs old, we spent 10 months impatient on the Onc floor. My dghter's showed me how to stay positive, and strong, the amazing children going through cancer is a life changing experience for me. The professionalism, compassion, caring nurses and my daughter helped make me change my career and go to nursing school, starting with LPN(20yrs out of school) I am starting clinicals in a few weeks, all nervous and scared. We live 2hrs away from any Acute Hospital with Pediatric Oncology, but after I get some experience in Nursing, Onc nursing is also my passion. Your passion and caring attitude will help make you a great nurse! We shared every holiday, many, many special moments from all the Oncology staff, we know their families as much as they know ours. I agree that the Oncology nurse is indeed blessed.