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I just accepted an Inpatient Leukemia position at a major cancer hospital. I'm really excited but when I tell people all they can say "That's really hard." Why? 

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Specializes in Medical-Surgical.

It has to do with the emotional toll it takes to care for someone that is fighting cancer. Not only that, but oncology nurses look at labs a lot more critically than other departments. Or should I say, each department looks at specific things in regard to the patient population they are helping. I found oncology hard work. The hardest part was the relationships you build with the patients knowing that they are here one day and died the next. 

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Thank you for clarifying. I knew it would take an emotional toll on me and I am prepared for that aspect of oncology. I worked ICU as well in the past. Other nurses make it seem like it is IMPOSSIBLE to work in inpatient leukemia; like the work is so hard that it is not worth it. I am here to fight the cause and one day be a part of finding a cure! Hopefully, I can give the patients comfort for the time that they are here. 

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Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

Oncology is hard; seeing people die all the time can take a toll. Be sure self-care is front and center so you don't "burn out". Good luck to you.

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Specializes in UR/PA, Hematology/Oncology, Med Surg, Psych.
8 hours ago, royalRN said:

Thank you for clarifying. I knew it would take an emotional toll on me and I am prepared for that aspect of oncology. I worked ICU as well in the past. Other nurses make it seem like it is IMPOSSIBLE to work in inpatient leukemia; like the work is so hard that it is not worth it. I am here to fight the cause and one day be a part of finding a cure! Hopefully, I can give the patients comfort for the time that they are here. 

I worked Inpatient Oncology (mostly Leukemia patients) for a long time.  I now work away from the bedside, but I found my coworkers in Oncology a strong and compassionate bunch.  They were the best nurses I've ever had the pleasure to work with.  Since the patients returned often for chemotherapy we were able to really get to know them & their families, their likes & dislikes, and their life stories.  So along with providing the best possible care, we were able to add in special individualized little touches & comforts.  I found myself feeling honored and humbled to care for these patients.   

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Specializes in Oncology, ID, Hepatology, Occy Health.

I can only second the comments above having done oncology for the last 12 years. It's not easy but who wants a job they can do with their eyes closed? It is the most rewarding speciality I have done in a long and varied career. I'm sure you'll love it. 

Best of luck.

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Inpatient Onc experience here, too. My opinion is that in inpatient oncology you will find the type of nurses who are "nurse's nurse." You have the opportunity to get good at every aspect of nursing if you want to. The patients are very sick and it is a long-term total upset to every other aspect of their lives.

Oncology nurses have been serious about their specialty for a long time, before it was as common to have a specialty certification, etc. I haven't kept up with things recently but my opinion at the time was that they produced quality materials and research and actual nursing innovations.

Best of luck in your new position!

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Thank you everyone for the advice!! 

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