Opportunity in Oncology for a Survivor?

[monkeyhq]

I recently discovered that an entry level nursing position has become available in a hospital affiliated oncology center. I want the job. Badly. And I meet all the requirements. But I have an issue, and I need advice.

Let me preface my inquiry with the following: a) I am a relatively 'new' nurse, but I am qualified for the position, b) I went into the field of nursing with the intent of working in oncology, and c) I have not received any sort of professional training regarding the question I am about to ask, and I don't have a clue how to, or if I even should, present myself...

The position available is with MY oncology group. It is a huge practice, but I would be working with physicians and other nurses who treated me in my own cancer battle (5 years ago). I do not know any employer/employee protocol for this type of situation, and before I submit my resume and letter, I really do need sincere, honest advice on any ethics or related issues I might encounter. I really do not know if I even should consider the opportunity. If I remind them I am a survivor, is that a bad thing or a good thing? If I withhold that information and am recognized, is that a bad thing or a good thing?

I really would like to work for this particular center. It is amazing, and the staff inspired me in so many ways.

Advice? Please?

[scaredsilly, BSN, RN]

Monkey,

First off, congratulations on being a survivor, that's HUGE!

Second of all, chances are there are people at that practice who will remember you, so if you do not mention it, it may look like you are trying to hide something. I would put something in the cover letter like this:

"Having been treated successfully at XYZ clinic, I feel that I know the staff and would be a good fit. I appreciate the way everyone works together for the benefit of the patient..." blah blah...whatever is true.

Third...were you a good patient or a pain in the rear. No offense meant, but I am a good nurse and a really awful patient, there is no way anyone who ever cared for me would hire me. I think that you know the answer to that. From what I have seen in oncology offices (I shadowed a nurse there while in school to try to decide if I wanted to focus on onc - I don't) they are a close knit group who make the patients into almost family members. If you were a good patient, that will translate into you being a good nurse in their minds.

Finally--Search your soul and see if you really are emotionally up to this. You are going to see patients with the same diagnosis struggle, suffer and die. If being able to help them in some way as a nurse appeals to you, go for it! On the other hand, if it is going to set you on an emotional roller coaster, give you nightmares, and generally foul up your life, then back away.

Just my opinion.

[monkeyhq]

Scaredsilly,

Thank you for the input and insights.

Yes, the nursing staff (infusion room), my clinical trial nurse navigator, my oncologist and at least 3 of the other 15 physicians, will know me the moment they see me. I do not know the HR administrator.

I had an amazing relationship with the infusion nurses, and my doctor. I always brought my laptop and headphones and watched comedy DVD's while being infused (every visit was at least 3 hours due to the addition of the trial drug). Every now and then, I would burst out in laughter, almost crying, and so would my nurse. The other patients would start giggling at this too. Once, when my BARD port jammed up, we tried just about everything to get it flowing. After 20 minutes, she says "okay, why don't you stand on your head for a minute, and we will try this thing again". I start to do a hand stand, and she, and all the other nurses, cracked up! To this day, I still blame my falling for it on 'chemo brain', lol.

I missed them all after I completed my course of treatment. And they were the biggest inspiration for my change of career from accounting to nursing.

I already sent my cover letter and resume. I included hints, but did not lay everything out there. The HR manager doesn't know me, and I don't know the 'weed and feed' criteria for resumes she uses before she takes the select few to the physicians committee for review, and invitation for interview. She might have excluded me from the beginning for being a 'risk', or she might have moved me to the front of the pack, I just don't know.

After thinking about this for a few days, I rather like that if I am granted an interview, or at least make it to the physicians committee, that it will be on my own merit as a nurse, and not as a former cancer patient. If I am fortunate enough to score the interview, of course I will reveal everything. And since I cast hints in the cover letter, it shows that I wasn't 'hiding' anything.

Some of our friends here have advised me about the emotional aspect, and I have given it great consideration. I really want to be in oncology. I want to use my experiences to help those who are going through what I have been through, even if I have to let some of them go. I don't know how I will feel about it when that happens, but I am healthy, and I do still attend support groups and take care of my psyche. Fortunately, this position begins in patient intake and maintenance, which will give me at least a year in the center. If all things work well for me (and them!), I can move to the infusion room after one year.

Having friendly, supportive, entertaining, and skilled nurses is a big part of what got me through everything. If I can give just a fraction of what I received back to others who need it, I will be fulfilled.

[scaredsilly, BSN, RN]

Monkey, you are so awesome! I love that you want to do this on your own merit, and I hope you get it! I'm afraid I wouldn't be so stoic, I would probably do something hokey like stop by with donuts for all the nurses that cared for me, then ask them to speak on my behalf. (just a thought!)

I don't think being a former patient should stand in the way of getting the job!! on the other hand, everyone hates tax accountants! (Just kidding!)

[monkeyhq]

Thank you!

I actually brought them a plate of brownies at my FINAL appointment in July this year (5 years cancer free, woot woot!).

I brought them the brownies as an apology for having worked in accounting for 20 years...

[scaredsilly, BSN, RN]

Monkey-5 years!! That is SO awesome! I think at the interview I would speak like you do in here!! Make them understand how you want to help patients like they helped you. Make them understand that you think that the job they do is one of the most important meaningful jobs someone CAN do and that you will only feel fulfilled if you get a chance to do it. You walked that road, you know what they give to patients. Do NOT worry about being emotional....make them feel what you feel and you will get the job! You showed us the emotion and came through as one of the best most caring nurses on these forums...make them see what we see in you and you cannot lose!

[monkeyhq]

Awwwwww, shucks. Thank you!

[scaredsilly, BSN, RN]

Oh and PM me to let me know if you get it, cuz I may forget to check in here. Purty Pleeze!

[monkeyhq]

I will!

[monkeyhq]

I have an interview! :-)

[OCNRN63, RN]

I have an interview! :-)

​Best wishes!

[monkeyhq]

​Best wishes!

Thank you so much for your insight and sound counsel. I truly appreciate it.

[climbingeverest]

did you get the job???