First Job

1. Congrats!

2. Don't be too hard on yourself while you're learning. Take criticism positively.

3. Accept the fact that as a new nurse (or any nurse for that matter) you WILL make mistakes along the way, but don't beat yourself up over them--learn from them.

4. Double check everything.

5. Find an outlet outside of work (running, hiking, dancing, yoga etc).

Good luck!

p.s. What area of the country did you manage to get a job in & are they still hiring? thanks!

1. Congrats!

4. Double check everything.

I say TRIPLE check everything.

Find a good report sheet to keeps you organized. A nurse you know might already have one that they can show you, or you can make your own.

I'm a new nurse (May grad) in oncology and worked on the unit as an intern for a year. I'd say that make sure you are on good terms with the family. On my unit, they are mostly patients who are at the end of the road with cancer and the families can make or break that end with dignity to the person's life. Our unit really caters to the families, and the families have been there with that person through the whole process so they know how much pain they are in and what they will be able to keep down and etc. We trust when the families say they are in pain and the patient cannot verbalize it, etc. These patients are pretty amazing. Trust your instincts, and you'll learn to enjoy life more and not sweat some of the small stuff in everyday life.

If in doubt, no matter how little, ask!

I am working in marietta Ga. They are always hiring. Go to Wellstar.org

Congratulations!

Trust your patients. They know their bodies... they have been fighting cancer and fighting to get well, so if they feel "a little off," listen.

Trust their families. They have been your patient's best allies in their fight. They know what your patient looks like just before they spike a temp, just before they go septic.

Trust your co-workers. They have been doing this a long time, and they will be protective of "their" patients... especially the frequent fliers who they have seen through relapses, through BMTs, through round after round of chemo.

Double and triple check everything at first. You are dealing with immunocompromised patients. Chemo is cytotoxic. Asking for another set of eyes is the best personal policy you can have.

An extra alcohol wipe to an IV line before hooking someone up never hurt anyone, but not enough can. Scrub, scrub, scrub.

Taking care of oncology patients and their families is an honor. You will see so much strength and love in those rooms and on your unit. You have been chosen to do a job that is amazing. My onc patients were among my favorite patients, and I miss them dearly. Enjoy every second of your new job.