Though I don't often post, I visit this site (as well as these forums) quite frequently and am never left wanting for helpful information! I'm hoping that someone out there would be willing to recommend a textbook, reference book, journal... some form of printed material... that has helped them along in terms of learning how to provide the best care for oncology patients.
The reason I'm asking is simply that I'm trying to stay ahead of the curve as I change directions with my career. I've been a RN on a bustling med/surg stepdown floor for awhile now, and recently accepted a position with a different hospital on a med/surg oncology unit. This floor's census is primarily solid tumor diagnoses, and they quite frequently have patients participating in clinical trial treatments (all phases).
I'm VERY excited about this change, but am not ashamed to say that I'm quite nervous at the same time. My experience with onc patients has been limited, and I've NEVER taken care of someone actively receiving chemotherapy. I'm confident that my new employer's orientation program will give me all the tools I need to safely care for this population, but I'd certainly feel much more prepared to "graduate" from orientation if I can supplement my on-the-job learning with extra reading that can be done at home.
Any help is greatly appreciated!
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