is it for me?

rn/writer, RN · Jul 16, 2011

Oncology might be a good area if you can tame your sensitivity. Not get rid of it. Just channel it so you can care for your patients without becoming a wreck yourself.

As you go through clinicals, you'll get exposure to different areas and get to participate in different kinds of care.

You might have a real knack for geriatrics. Or pediatrics. Or postpartum.

Who knows?

The nice thing is that, unlike doctors who have to do a lengthy residency in the specialty they choose, we nurses can work in one area for five years and then opt for something at the opposite end of the spectrum. And we change again and again if we choose.

Look and listen and don't be afraid to try new things.

Best wishes on your quest.

butterfly134 · Jul 17, 2011

Thanks for your reply :)! whats post partum? I forgot to mention that I didnt like gereatrics......seemed to be a lot of dementia and alzheimers and even though I was well capable.....I just didnt enjoy it.

rn/writer, RN · Jul 17, 2011

Postpartum is taking care of moms and babies after they come from labor & delivery. Lots of teaching, help with breastfeeding, taking care of babies, etc. A number of my co-workers started on my unit right out of nursing school.

LuxAeternaRN · Jul 17, 2011

I'm a new grad so I have limited advice but I'll tell you what I've experienced in oncology. My last clinical rotation was on a wonderful oncology floor and I loved it! It was a very busy floor. I have 3 friends beginning in oncology - 2 at one hospital, 1 at the other (we have two major hospitals in my area). From my own experience and from what my friends are telling me, they stay slammed! You'll learn a lot and these patients will benefit from your kindness and care. However, if you're looking for a slower pace and are concerned about the emotional aspect, there are plenty other areas you can look into.

Patients in every setting will need your empathy and thoughtfulness so you can't go wrong! :)

Double-Helix, BSN, RN · Jul 17, 2011

I hear from a lot of nursing students that they are concerned about becoming emotional while nursing. I work in PICU, and whenever I tell someone that, almost everyone says "Oh, I could never do that. That would be so sad. Doesn't it break your heart?"

The short answer is, yes, it does. Some of the cases on my unit are heartbreaking, and it's normal for a nurse to feel those emotions. Nursing is a caring profession and I don't believe that we could do our jobs without some level of compassion and emotion.

However, when you are in a professional role, I think you will find that it's easier to seperate yourself, partly, from the situation. It doesn't mean that our emotions go away, it doesn't mean that we don't feel sad or even cry occasionally. It does mean that we can focus on what we need to do and control our emotions, rather than letting them control us.

Once you start going through clinicals, you will be exposed to a variety of fields. There isn't a need to choose a specialty right now, or even before you graduate. As a nurse you have a lot of options and you can try out different areas until you find one that you like.

Home health might be an option, if you love the TLC part. You get to devote all your attention to one patient while you are there. But you can provide TLC in all areas of nursing, even if you have more than one patient and even if you are on a busy unit. Your options are endless.

SweetseRN · Jul 17, 2011

Wow, I can totally relate to everything you are saying...I completely get it. It's OK to have the feelings you have...I am a new RN (about 10 years older than you though) and I struggle with the same thoughts. I have always thought oncology would be a great fit for me, I still do, but...Have you ever thought about dialysis? I mention it because if I am correct in assuming your interests and personality are similar to mine...That was an area of nursing I found out I LOVE by accident. I had a chance to spend a day there during my last few clinicals and begged to go back. The patients are sick, they can be cranky, for patients it's known as "the part time job that nobody wants." These patients need a nurse with a special touch for TLC and the kindness, caring and thoughtfulness you express as your assets.

butterfly134 · Jul 17, 2011

Wow, I can totally relate to everything you are saying...I completely get it. It's OK to have the feelings you have...I am a new RN (about 10 years older than you though) and I struggle with the same thoughts. I have always thought oncology would be a great fit for me, I still do, but...Have you ever thought about dialysis? I mention it because if I am correct in assuming your interests and personality are similar to mine...That was an area of nursing I found out I LOVE by accident. I had a chance to spend a day there during my last few clinicals and begged to go back. The patients are sick, they can be cranky, for patients it's known as "the part time job that nobody wants." These patients need a nurse with a special touch for TLC and the kindness, caring and thoughtfulness you express as your assets.

Im glad someone can relate to me! I've never thought of that. Hopefully I'll get a chance to experience dialysis nursing. I love it when you can make a really cranky patient have a decent conversation with you and then they are happy again...even if only for a little bit. When you go back to them the following day and they are cranky, after the converstaion I have a better insight to whats causing their crankyness!! :)