[ericj]

Hello everyone! I am a 16 year-old male and I'm going to get a ged and start college early. I plan on going to 2 years of community college for an ADN. I may go for the BSN after I start working. Well anyways, my ultimate goal would be to work with children suffering from cancer. Any advice on how to break into this field? Do I need either pediatric or oncological certification? Thanks.

Eric

[nurs4kids]

Hey Eric! Welcome!

This day and time, you need a nursing license and a big heart. That's it!

Good luck!!!

[PediRN]

Just a nursing license is needed, though a thick skin is probably warranted too.

[Camila_cmg]

I'm in the same boat and wondering if I can be a NP and still work in this field. Should I study pediatric or oncology? (I just can't find a program covering both peds and onc)

[cyang22]

As far as I know, there are peds oncology NP program. Don't remember which school she attended, but I know that my preceptor graduated from that program. You might also want to look into U of Penn SON, they have it. http://www.nursing.upenn.edu/academi.../grad/masters/

[paccookie]

Originally Posted by cyang22

As far as I know, there are peds oncology NP program. Don't remember which school she attended, but I know that my preceptor graduated from that program. You might also want to look into U of Penn SON, they have it. http://www.nursing.upenn.edu/academi.../grad/masters/

There is also a peds onc np program at Emory University in Atlanta. Probably a few more too, someone mentioned one in CA.

[EricEnfermero]

Originally Posted by ericj

Hello everyone! I am a 16 year-old male and I'm going to get a ged and start college early. I plan on going to 2 years of community college for an ADN. I may go for the BSN after I start working. Well anyways, my ultimate goal would be to work with children suffering from cancer. Any advice on how to break into this field? Do I need either pediatric or oncological certification? Thanks.

Eric

Eric,

In most cases, you won't be eligible to take specialty certification exams until you have a certain amount of experience (often 1-2 years) in the given specialty. Your best bet is to focus on doing really well in school. Good luck!

Eric

[KScott]

Hey Eric...

Just an FYI. When I was in my junior year of high school, I was allowed to go to the community college and take classes half the day. The high school considered the college courses my electives. Just so you know, you can finish your high school diploma and get started on your college at the same time.

In the end, I ended up getting married before I finished high school. I dropped out and got my GED. It always bothered me I didn't graduate with my class. At the time, I couldn't have cared less. I was anxious to get out of there. I don't know why it bothered me later - very soon later! I just graduated Cum Laude with a BFA, last May, at the age of 45 and I finally feel like I've "fixed" the fact I didn't graduate from high school.

Just a little hindsight from an old lady. If you can finish high school and start college at the same time, you might be a little better off, or you might not, but it's something I'd encourage you to think about. Good luck!