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Discussion

Can't Decide

Hello!

I am a new nursing graduate and I have been offered a position as a new grad in the oncology department as well as the cardiopulmonary department. I am having the hardest time deciding between the two. They are at the same hospital and the pay/schedule is the same so that does not help narrow it down. I first thought that oncology would be a good fit because I am interested in helping onc patients while they are in the hospital, but I feel the same way about cardio patients as well. I think it may come down to personality as well. I am what you would call a more touchy feely and really enjoy connecting with patients on personal level, but I am not sure how I would handle the emotional stresses of either floor. I think cardiopulmonary would be more transferable if I decided to move on to a different specialty. I am just looking for some nurses in either field to chime in their opinion about working on either floor and what they feel like a new grad should possess in order to be successful on that floor.

Thank you!!

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    Having worked in both, if you are more touchy feely definitely Onc.

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    Oncology is definitely the more "touchy-feely" specialty. But both specialties are transferrable. Cancer can attack any system in the body, including the cardiopulmonary system, and you'll learn about basically every organ system.

    Since you're a new grad, you will have tons to learn in whichever specialty you choose. What matters more than the specialty is the environment. Which unit is more welcoming, which manager seems more supportive, which staff seems friendlier? Does one unit have an orientation program that is more planned out, with scheduled meetings between orientee and preceptor, scheduled feedback? That's the unit you choose, regardless of specialty.

    I will add that Oncology is a bit like Med/Surg in that you'll be exposed to a wide variety of involved organ systems, and after 1-2 years, you'll have a great idea of what interests you the most and the least.

    The bottom line here, I think, is go with your gut.

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    • Author

    Thank you for your response! I have decided to take the Oncology position! I am happy with my decision albeit nervous! I liked that you stated that onc nursing is a bit like med/surg and that I will be exposed to a wide variety of organ systems and patient conditions. I also came to realize that I have to stop putting so much pressure on myself, if I get there and decide that it is not for me I can always transfer to a different specialty...the beauty of nursing, right! Thank you guys again for your input!

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    • Author

    Thank you Flatline for your input!

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    • Guides

    Yep. Touchy-feely is Onc, unless you are in a critical care or cardiac stepdown unit where you get to work with people right CABG and the like....that is also very touchy-feely because those folks just got the bejeebus scared out of them via a heart attack and such. Those folks bond hard with their nurses.

    You cannot go wrong either way. Congratulations on two great job offers!

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    Cancer can attack any system in the body, including the cardiopulmonary system, and you'll learn about basically every organ system.

    I can not hit the like button for this enough. Cancer can directly affect every organ system and the treatments we give stress the body to the limit.

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