Future New Grad needs advice about Peds Oncology

[nurse901]

Hello Everyone I am going to be graduating in May and I am interested in Pediatrics Oncology. Does anyone on here work in that area of Pediatrics? Also am I just able to work on that floor or do I have to work on all the others. I know I may be floated but I would like to specialize in that area if it is possible. Lastly, please give me names of any good hospitals that have a specialty in Peds Oncology ( I already know about St. Jude's)Thanks so much.

[debbieGa]

I have been a Peds Heme/Onc RN for 3.5years. I absoutly love it! Most Hospitals have Hematology paired with Oncology. You will prob. have to float but other than that you should not have to work on any other floors. As for places that are good, I do not know. Most childrens hosptial that have heme/onc are pretty good.

[hemeonc girl]

Peds HemeOnc nursing is definitely an intense job. It takes strong nursing skills and a strong personality with this population and working with the doctors. I work at UCLA Children's (which has it's management issues) but our team is an amazing group. If you want a good place to get experience, this is the place. It can be very hard but it's also very rewarding. These kids can get sick very quick, especially if you are working with bone marrow transplant kids, so you have to respond quickly. I love it and I love the kids and the families I get to know. You develop long term relationships that can end sadly, but not always. If you are interested, that's great! My hospital won't allow you to start with this population right away due to the nursing skills needed, so I was required to do 6 months with acute peds patients first. It gives you the chance to see if you still want to specialize or just stick with the general peds department. Good Luck!

[MachoNurse, BSN, RN]

While on my pediatrics rotation last month, I found myself really interested in the hematology/oncology ward, and wanted to float there for a day or two. Our clinical instructor was so stressed and disorganized, she would let us float there, or anywhere, so I never got to see it. Does anyone have any experience transferring there after a year or two of pediatric med-surg?

Thanks!