Cancer survivior to be oncology nurse? Feeback?

[galenanurse2b]

Hello everyone!

I love this site! I was hoping to get some feedback from any oncology nurses. I am finishing up my nursing degree, and want to specialize in oncology. While in nursing school I was diagnosed with stage 3 cervical cancer. I went through chemo, radiation, and two implantable brackytherepies. After treatment was complete I wanted to get back on the horse and finish school. I am now determined to be an oncology nurse. I can relate to going through the treatments and being sick. I think it will also be very mentally healing for me.

I was recently able to take care of a pt. with small cell lung carcinoma, and was acually in the room when his doctor told him it had moved to his spine and all that could be done now was pain control. At first I was so sad I questioned why I was there to deal with this pain, but after the day was over he thanked me and said it was such a relief for me to be able to relate to his pain, and it showed he said. His family was so happy I shared my personal story with them and it ended up being such a positive day.

I realize not all days would be like that, but if I could make even a little bit of difference it would mean so much to me.

My question are; What different areas of cancer treatment do you work in? I know there are many areas of oncology.

Do you enjoy working as a oncolgy nurse? Not all day are good, how do you deal with that?

And anything else you would like to share would be great!

Thank you for taking the time to read my story.

Jen

[ORSmurf]

Hi Jen,

Wow - congratulations on everything you've accomplished. What a good story. I think you'll love working with oncology patients. I work in an outpatient cancer center giving chemotherapy. I am a highly emotional person and was afraid I wouldn't be able to handle that aspect of it. I love the patients and have the most wonderful co-workers and there's a lot of laughter every day. There are sad times and I cry sometimes, but it's been very rewarding. Good luck in your journey and God bless you, Christine

[Kim O'Therapy, BSN, RN]

I know a nurse practioner that fought cancer while she was in nursing school. She now works with the oncologist that treated her! Go for it!

[prowlingMA]

At the Center I work at we have one Rn who is a survivor, ( who did her treatment at our facility) and several ancilary staff that are survivor. Some even have their follow up visits with our doctors. We simply treat them as any other patient, bring them to the exam room, do vitals, draw blood, what ever they need.

[Sailingshoes]

I am a cancer survivor and feel that my experience has definitely helped me with my pt care and helps me to make some sense out of the proverbial "why me" question. It sounds as if you have a calling :) so listen to your inner voice and go for it! I love working in an outpt cancer clinic, not as hectic as floor nursing and like the previous poster, lots of laughter and living in the moment, grateful people. Hope this helps.