Clinical Assignment in Oncology

SierraBravo · May 18, 2014

I work in oncology and I can tell you that being stoic and unemotional certainly has its place such as in a code situation, but in general, these patients are dealing with an often life threatening illness. I think that some level of emotion and compassion is essential to being successful in this area of medicine and nursing. Obviously not everyone is a "touchy, feely" type, but patients in general appreciate it when you can connect with them; sometimes it is enough to take their minds off their illness, even for just a few moments.

As in other areas of medicine and nursing, you'll see life and death. I have been there at the bedside with a family when a patient took their last breath.

annaotis · May 19, 2014

I have spent 8 years in Oncology and BMT. Oncology patients often want and need connection with those who are caring for them. I think that is one of the things what makes for a great Oncology nurse. They also don't want you feeling sorry for them or treating them "differently" for lack of a better term. Warmth and genuine compassion go a long way. Humor too! ( I always have my patients laughing and joking during their chemo treatments and they love it!) They are in a tough situation as it is, my experience has been that they don't want to be in "gloom and doom" environments. People that don't work in Oncology always say to me, "I could never do that, it must be so depressing". I wouldn't want to do anything else. Can it be heart wrenching at times? Yes, but the best part of working with this patient population is exactly that - the patients. Such wonderful people who are so appreciative of your care. You all will be fine, and a few of you may end up actually loving the rotation! Let us know how it works out, good luck!

Grrrse, MSN · Jun 3, 2014

So I'm wrapping up my second week and fourth clinical day in oncology. It's nothing like what I had expected. We have a more diverse group of patients than what I expected. When I received the assignment we were not told that it's both oncology and hematology. So some days I have patients that are in for a round of chemo and other days I have 17 year olds with sickle cell and other issues. It's been an interesting trip so far. I'm learning to be compassionate and at the same time, realistic that I'm only there for 10 hours each day and can only do so much for each patient, and in knowing that, I've challenged myself to make each of my patients feel special and to make them as comfortable as possible. One part student nurse taking vitals, passing meds, doing assessments and one part concierge/housekeeper. Oncology is not nearly as depressing as I thought it would be, it's emotionally exhausting, but I really feel like I have more of an opportunity to help people than I did in other rotations on other floors.

Grrrse, MSN · May 13, 2015

So it comes around full circle..... At the end of this clinical last summer, I interviewed for and started as a PCT on the unit. I've been there almost a year now. I graduated last week with a BSN and now I've been offered a day shift staff RN position in the surgical oncology unit. I've come a long long way since my student nurse post, and with any luck and a ton of preparation, I will pass the NCLEX in June and be hard at work as a newly minted Onc RN. Thanks for everyone's feedback.

dream'n, BSN, RN · May 23, 2015

Congrats!

Hailbop16 · Sep 13, 2015

Congratulations ! I'm starting an 8 week clinical on a pediatric oncology/hematology unit atTexas Children's. I wanted to ask you what a typical day in clinical was like? Any specific meds I should study up on. Also skills I'll use the most that I should brush up on! ðŸ˜Š