HELP!!! New Grad thinking about Oncology

Nurses General Nursing

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I will be graduating on May 16, 2009 and had my first interview on yesterday. Was totally blown away and want to work for this company. I've worked in numerous hospitals since I was 18 and have a good idea of what a great company is. Here's the problem: I start graduate school in the Fall & have been told that I should get some ER experience. I've NEVER had a rotation in the ER nor worked in one. This particular hospital has the second busiest/biggest ER in the state of Louisiana next to charity in New Orleans. Their is NO WAY I'm going down there without some experience!!

The unit I fell in love with is the Oncology unit after viewing and talking to nurses yesterday. I have NEVER even thought about oncology. Truthfully, never thought about anything other than med/surg & ICU & didn't have that written in stone b/c I know graduate school has their own "recommendations". It's 33 beds on the unit. I went into this profession to make a difference and help people. I have a tendency to be emotional but not a basket case. I feel this patient population would be very very appreciative and I would get the fulfillment I desire. Is this a good place to start out? I love a challenge and learning new things. What can I expect if I take this position? What are some words of wisdom & opinions? HELLLP!! I'm loosing sleep over this! :bugeyes:

P.S. oncmsnnurse...reply if you out there!!

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Specializes in Education and oncology.

(((wow))) I am so honored and amazed by this website. So, you will not be disappointed. You will be challenged and it will be a tough job. You will do fine. Just listen and be there. I have never done wrong by saying: "this is so unfare." Or, "This has been a tough road for you...."

Your patient will either open the door and go into details about the long journey he/she has experienced. Or- will be stoic. "No. It's been fine.'

Ok. Either way, I honor their reply. I am just there to listen to support. I have been so blessed by my onc patients- yes. They are usually so incredibly grateful and so appreciative.

Words of wisdom- just be there. Listen.

They will give you direction and encouragement.

Please don't lose sleep. You are the one they look up to, confide in and take comfort in. You are valuable and valued.

Blessings,

Jessie

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Specializes in Psych, LTC, Acute Care.

Congratulations for thinking out of the box. Sounds like a great place to work if you get the job. New graduates are having a hard time finding jobs so if they offer it to you, I say take it. You can't be real picky when starting out. It may take you a while to even get an offer in the ER. Why do you have to start Grad school so soon? I just graduated in February 2009 and want to go to grad school but I decided to wait until I find an area of care that really speaks to me. Is being in the ER is mandatory for grad school? You have alot of thinking to do. I wish you luck but don't start panicking until you get the job offer.

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Specializes in Education and oncology.

Sadly front page news of Boston Globe- new graduate nurses having difficulty finding jobs. Yep. We here in Boston have a glut of new grads- want a job? Go to rehab or relocate.

I try to help grads get jobs on my bone marrow transplant unit/onc floor. Bottom line jobs are difficult and challenging for now.

Stay tuned!

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Specializes in Oncology.

Oncology is a great field to work in. You will face and accomplish many difficult tasks which will prepare you for graduate studies. I myself do not have a masters but many nurses on my unit have gone and received their masters. Good luck to you!

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Thank you all soooo much for the encouraging words. ER is not mandantory for graduate school but HIGHLY recommended. I am starting so soon b/c my life situation really won't allow me the options of waiting if pursuing my master's is what I really want. I want to take the next 3yrs while in school and get as much experience I possibly can to help me build on my knowledge base and further my career. I know I will get offered the position (based on what the director told me) and with so many new grads having difficulty finding placement, I want to be ready to accept. My heart is telling me do it and I just needed some words from people who have experience in this area! Thank you all very very much..I'll keep you guys posted about the offer :specs:

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Specializes in ICU/CCU/Oncology/CSU/Managed Care/ Case Management.

I started out in Oncology as my first job. It was gyn/thoracic floor and we gave chemo and had patients who actively received radiation in the rooms. It was a good experience. Yes, it can be tough physically especially mentally. If you are interested in getting into a critical care area I think oncology would be a good place to start because it allows you to hone on some critical thinking skills and you have to be detailed oriented--that alone will prepare for critical floors if that is one of your goals.

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OMG...I was at clinicals today and was called..I landed the position on the ONCOLOGY unit! I can't even begin to express how excited I am. I am also very very very thankful to God after reading how so many new grads are having issues landing jobs. Thanks everyone for helping me see this through. It's an opportunity I'd have been silly to pass up!!! ;)

MAY 16, 2009

10:00 am!!

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Specializes in oncology/med-surg.

Hi there. I started out in oncology about 16 weeks ago, I am a new grad BSN. Although I've learned more in 16 weeks than in my entire time in school. Here are a few of my thoughts about oncology...first, of all, I love it. Yes, the patients are appreciative and you have a wide variety of cases. We get any patient with a history of cancer, so even if a patient has a ruptured spleen or a back problem, if they've ever had cancer, they come to our floor. So it's like med/surg as well as oncology. Your hospital may be similar. Research cancer when you have a chance; know the difference btwn leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma, anemias, etc. Know the common areas different cancers metastasize to. That will help as you get started (and you'll feel less stupid).:D

Some patients are just in getting chemo and they are what I call the 'cancer survivors', fighting for their lives --they often have the best attitudes. Then you also have the hospice patients. They are challenging but the advice given to learn how to listen was good advice. You can also look for a book on bereavement counseling so you know some of the right and wrong things to say, especially since family members are often present, crying and confused. One thing for sure, while offering spiritual support is important, you will have patients of all faiths and you must be able to be respectful of that!!! I have disagreed with what many of my patients believe and death's door is not the time to try changing anyone's mind, you nod and accept what they believe is happening to them. Also, some patients will fight the cancer and others have told me "I just want to go to sleep" or "I'm too tired to fight anymore". The best thing you can do is be their advocate. I had a patient decide not to pursue anymore chemo and the doctor talked her into it, the patient died the second day of her second round of chemo. She could have enjoyed a few more days her own way instead.

Anyway, getting off topic...it is a very busy, rewarding area of nursing and so many people tell me "wow, I don't know how you do that kind of nursing". Which makes me feel good about myself too. But not as good as that first family who brings you a gift, sends you a card, or just squeezes your hand and really says "thank you".

Congrats and good luck.

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Kikids...THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!! You don't understand how much that helps me and makes me feel like I made the right choice. I decided once I was offered the position that I will RE-READ all chapters on cancer in my med/surg book before starting and also do some research! You couldn't have given me any better advice. I can't say thank you enough. I hope you don't mind if I email you from time to time if I want to ask something or just need some encouragement...

May 16, 2009

10:00am :yeah:

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