Experienced nurses, what would you think of this route?

[netglow, ASN, RN]

What do you all think of my idea of beginning on an inpatient Onc floor? I'm thinking most skill areas are required, and this area of learning will really build a foundation that is transferable to critical care, home health, hospice, etc. should I want to change things up in my future.

I did clinical on an Onc floor for most of a semester. Spent 7 weeks total in ICU. Mom had cancer/pelvic rad and I spent many late nights with the outcome of that...

What do you all think? Any insight? If you are a NM and you see Onc floor experience, what are your preconceived ideas about me in relation to what you need? Am I pigeon-holing myself - or - am I an asset? Could Onc be like ICU, a little too much for a new grad...

[KMRNOCN]

Hummmm, you pose an interesting question. I, myself, am outpatient oncology. Our hospital has an inpatient unit that is also a Med Surg floor. If that's the case I'd say go for it. If it's strictly oncology patients it's not a step toward critical care. Oncology patients have a different, yet same, set of needs. The most critical point is the amount of chemotherapy agents you will have to learn, that all come with their own set of side effects. Oncology patients and their families are either wonderful or not so. I guess I'm not really giving you an answer am I?

Put it this way, I started in ICU when people told me to start in Med Surg. As hard as it was, my acute care skills have been such an asset to my outpatient care. I went from ICU to ER to oncology with a wink in surgery so there are clinical experiences I missed totally. I've never worked Med Surg and admire the organizational skills of a good Med Surg nurse. Am I doing okay... yep. I guess you have to look at what your "plans" are for your career.

[roser13, ASN, RN]

I say go for it. It would be an outstanding first position. I don't think for a minute that managers would pigeon-hole you. Nor do I think that oncology would be too difficult for a new grad.

[SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN]

You got an interview? Boy howdy, you rock!

[SummerGarden, BSN, MSN, RN]

i have a several friends who are on an oncology med surg floor that also specializes in palliative care. they have gained a certification to deliver chemo drugs and are gaining additional training in palliative care nursing because of their area of specialization. thus, i agree with the others that working on such a floor will not prevent you from ever moving into critical care even though it is not critical care nursing. the skills you will gain on such a floor are used in icus!

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

Oncology is a specialty requiring the knowledge of many sophisticated drugs, rapid assessment of patients, high acuity patients, dealing with death and dying, dealing with family----lots of reasons why you would be considered a well rounded nurse.