Any advice for the newbie

[cslxagRN]

Hello all nurses!!!!

I am an old new grad, and I was searching and applying for jobs for months. Finally, I got a job offer for an infusion nurse position at a cancer medical group. They know I am a new nurse, but they are willing to give me a chance and to train me. I am happy, excited, nervous, and scared at the same time. What should I brush up on? Any words of advice will be appreciated.

[TheCareerStudent]

Good luck! I am just starting school but Oncology is a field of interest for me. In a few months you will be a semi-seasoned pro, I hope to see more posts from you on how it goes.

[Loreta]

Dear oncology newbie:)

Oncology is a hard field to start as a new grad!!!!Best of luck:redbeathe

I worked three years oncology unit and loved it!!!! Though very hard work it has many rewards!!!

Just make sure to get your ONC certification, if not offered through your hospital you can always take the certification review and test through the ONS website.

Goodluck

Loreta

[OCNRN63, RN]

Make sure you take the chemo-provider course; go to http://www.ons.org for info.

I must disagree with the above poster. You cannot take the test to become oncology certified through the ONS website. You can register through ONS, but you must go to an approved testing center to take the test. You must meet all of the qualifications prior to testing as well. Information about the certification exam can be found on the ONS website.

[cslxagRN]

Thank you for your responses. Now, I am wondering if I have to be certified to mix chemo meds and to administer them to pts. TIA.

[OCNRN63, RN]

Thank you for your responses. Now, I am wondering if I have to be certified to mix chemo meds and to administer them to pts. TIA.

You will most likely be required to pass the two day chemo-provider course at some point in order to do this. Passing the chemo-provider course is not the same as certification.

[cslxagRN]

I have searched for Chemotherapy & Biotherapy provider course, but I can't find any in my area. Can I still mix and administer chemo to pts with a certified chemo nurse until I am certified? Thank you.

[OCNRN63, RN]

I have searched for Chemotherapy & Biotherapy provider course, but I can't find any in my area. Can I still mix and administer chemo to pts with a certified chemo nurse until I am certified? Thank you.

That will really be up to your employer. It may be necessary for you to travel a bit to get the course, depending on where you live. I know the one I took had people from several states in attendance.

You can compare it to working in ICU without having ACLS. They may let you slide for a while, but at some point, they're going to demand you take the course. To be honest, as a new nurse in an oncology infusion center, you really need that course ASAP, particularly if you are going to be mixing. The course goes over a lot more than just meds. Do your best to get hooked up with one quickly.