Considering a job as an oncology cna

[kcsunshine]

Hello,

So after 6 months of applying, it finally happened: I got an interview for a job as a CNA on an oncology floor. I have been waiting for this moment since before I got my certification. Ever since I realized I wanted to become a nurse, I always had an interest in oncology. It is the specialty I am most interested in working in. I really feel like I have a lot to give these patients, and I want to make it my goal to make a difference in their lives, even if it's just by getting a smile or two out of them.

I am thrilled with the thought of my interview, but I do currently work as a psychiatric nurse aide, and the differences in pay between the two jobs is quite a bit. I'm a supervisor at my work and would be taking a considerable pay cut by taking the oncology job if its offered to me. Like, I'm talking losing $600 a month, which is quite a bit for the measly kind of money I make. Its enough to dim my passion for oncology just a little bit.

My question to you all is this: What do the oncology CNAs do at your hospital? I am currently finishing my prerequisites for nursing school and will be attending nursing school in a year. Do you think it would be advantageous for me to work on the oncology floor if that's what I'm aiming for when I get my RN? Is CNA experience really valued that much when searching for RN jobs?

I'm trying to come up with reasons for why I should take such a big pay cut, and am wondering if I will get to be exposed to what RNs do and if I'll be involved with anything outside of typical CNA work like helping with ADLs, feeding, changing, etc.

Any input would be appreciated!

[Capriinverno]

First of all, congratulations on getting a CNA job concerning oncology! I too am very interested in becoming an oncology nurse. I start nursing school this year and I have heard that most hospitals and clinics won't hire unless you have had some experience working in a hospital doing bedside OR have some experience involving oncology. I feel like you are on the right track. Though you are taking a huge pay cut, (I'm puzzled why that is), you will be able to confirm that this is the specialty that you want to do as a nurse and it will definitely prepare you in the long run. I wish you the best of luck! It's nice to know there are people out there who share the same interest of becoming an oncology nurse.

[kcsunshine]

First of all, congratulations on getting a CNA job concerning oncology! I too am very interested in becoming an oncology nurse. I start nursing school this year and I have heard that most hospitals and clinics won't hire unless you have had some experience working in a hospital doing bedside OR have some experience involving oncology. I feel like you are on the right track. Though you are taking a huge pay cut, (I'm puzzled why that is), you will be able to confirm that this is the specialty that you want to do as a nurse and it will definitely prepare you in the long run. I wish you the best of luck! It's nice to know there are people out there who share the same interest of becoming an oncology nurse.

The pay cut mostly has to do with the fact that I have a supervisor position at my work. If I were to be a regular PNA I, the pay would be very similar. I've heard the same thing, that hospitals won't hire if you if you don't have experience, but I was just wondering if they mean RN experience or if they actually value CNA experience as well.

[Capriinverno]

Oh, I'm sure they would admire CNA experience just as they would being an RN. As everyone knows, being an oncologist isn't for everyone. I find it to be a specialty where you have to be knowledgeable as well as being emotionally aware. The patients families play a huge role. I love that. I wish I can find something that coincides with oncology.

[melizerd, ASN, RN]

I think Cna work is almost always a good thing pre/during nursing school.

That said my aides do the same things that the rest of the hospital floor aides do. So being specifically an oncology floor I don't think matters a ton, but being on a floor you enjoy is wonderful!

I love my oncology med/surg floor. I honestly had no idea it would become my home. Often getting hired as an Rn can be easier if you already work for the hospital because they know you, internal postings happen, etc.

[Nurse SMS, MSN, RN]

CNA work does NOT count at all for RN experience. Not even a little bit. The main benefit in working in a hospital as a CNA during school is that if you do well you have a foot in the door for a position as a new grad RN, which can be a very difficult job to find these days. If you can afford the pay cut it would be worth your while to take the oncology job.