Tell me what it's really like.

Sailingshoes · Feb 25, 2007

I never thought I would work in oncology but I am and love it! I work in an outpatient cancer center where pts come for radiation and chemo. I work on the chemo side administering infusions. My day is filled with accessing many ports, some IVs and delivering chemo. Some weeks we do brachytherapy procedures which are done under conscious sedation. We are closed on weekends and open during the week 8-1630+ I work 4 days. It is busy but not usually hectic like my past experinces in med-surg/ortho hospial work. Nothing is STAT. It is a good combo of sitting and moving, not too hard on the feet! As far as depressing work....there are occassions of sadness but most days are filled with joy - pts are so positive and grateful for each day and yes, we even have a lot of laughter! It is actually a fun place to work and the commarderie of our medical team is wonderful. I tried as a traveler and stayed........:smilecoffeecup:

JMGunter · Jul 12, 2007

I am an RN in a hem/onc clinic. I tend to become very attached to the patients I treat. In our clinic we do everything, including mixing the chemotherapy. It's always hard when a patient passes on, but it's also a blessing. Most pts know when the time has come and most have come to terms with it. The hardest death most of the nurses on our staff had to deal with was a very young mother with a 3 yr old daughter.

Annebug · Aug 12, 2007

I've been working in oncology/med surg for just over 2 months. I just graduated in May.

I've had the most incredible transition.

Started nursing school after/really because of my grandmother who died of lung cancer. She was closer than my mom or anyone in my life.

I knew that I had to work on the unit where she was a patient, and I secured a job there.

I feel like I could already write a book on my experiences on that unit.

I really don't know how to describe what it's like. Helping people who need help desperately, assisting people at the end of their lives to appreciate and feel good about what they've accomplished, easing pain for patients who feel so much pain, listening, holding hands, etc, etc, I could go on for days.

There are many frustrating aspects too--as in any area of nursing, I'm sure.

Yes, it is hard. I've seen young people with children die, as well as old folks with grieving families, or even worse, with no family at all. I try and put the emotions away until I leave, then I cry, then I take care of my own family. Sometimes easier said than done, but overall, it works.

I'm happy with my choice for now, but will likely move to critical care within a year or so.

Best wishes!