bio/chemotherapy course from ONS

SoldierNurse22, BSN, RN · Apr 26, 2014

While I wasn't allowed to work with chemotherapy prior to taking the ONS course, I did have 6 months of exposure to the process/patients on my ward before I was sent to the class, which made the amount of memorization required much easier.

I hate to say it, but if employers truly want experience, taking this course probably won't help.

OCNRN63, RN · Apr 26, 2014

I took it while working in day surgery. We had only two patients who came in for chemo, so my experience with it was very limited when I took the course. I took it hoping that I could get a job in O/P oncology, which I did. I did have experience working with oncology patients in hospice, though.

I think a series of circumstances, plus having the chemo provider card helped me get the job. Making the transition was really, really hard. There was so much to learn; it took at least a year before I started to feel comfortable.

Bear in mind that this course does not give you any sort of certification. You get a provider card, much like with ACLS.

lookingrn · Apr 30, 2014

We hired a nurse who had gotten her chemo certification, even though she didn't have oncology experience. Oncology experience is hard to find, and her certification showed a lot of commitment to the field, which we liked. She still had to learn the ropes about how we did it on our floor, our particular system of double checks,etc.

If they really want experience, it won't help. But if they're looking for an experienced nurse who cares about oncology, they'll see that as a positive.

SierraBravo · May 1, 2014

Taking the class without any real life oncology nursing experience probably won't benefit you, as our institution sends new oncology nurses to the class for free a few months after you start on the unit. Alot of the information probably won't make sense if you take it now. But if you take it after you have worked as an oncology nurse for a while, the class makes alot of sense and you can relate what you learn back to clinical scenarios you experienced on the unit. I don't think having that card is going to make a difference with respect to getting an oncology nursing job. That is just my $0.02.

JeninCA · May 7, 2014

I did the class last month (April) and have no "paid" RN experience - I preceptored in Oncology. I did it to show commitment to the field. Also, join the oncology of nursing society. A lot of good information. I spoke with someone with a lot of experience in the oncology field and she stated taking the course and being a member does show initiative and some hiring managers put you above others. You have to pay out of pocket, but for me, it was worth it.

lookingrn · May 7, 2014

I'm surprised you were able to receive certification without paid experience. I thought you had to be working 6 months in some area of nursing first -- not necessarily oncology, though. I precepted in Oncology, too, and learned a ton, but it's just nothing like working o your own.