how do i get into onco nursing? pls give your 2 cents.

AtlantaRN, RN · Aug 1, 2005

my facility offered the certification and paid for it. we have a "short stay" unit that functions as chemo unit, we not only have patients that have 24-48h infusions with actual patient rooms, but short stay area with bays like the ER, and chairs that are set up like a dialysis unit , each patient has their own TV and phone, so it works pretty good, we have 120 beds at my hospital, and this unit has space for 22 patients

atlantarn

Ted · Aug 1, 2005

It would seem that the "bigger" teaching hospitals would offer concentrated courses for those nurses interested in oncology nursing. Maybe you can explore hospitals that offer such courses. Also check out the web site to the Oncology Nursing Society. www.ons.org You might be able to find more helpful information there as you explore a change in your career.

Good luck with your decision! :)

Ted

inwyte · Aug 1, 2005

It would seem that the "bigger" teaching hospitals would offer concentrated courses for those nurses interested in oncology nursing. Maybe you can explore hospitals that offer such courses. Also check out the web site to the Oncology Nursing Society. www.ons.org You might be able to find more helpful information there as you explore a change in your career.
Good luck with your decision! :)
Ted

it seemed like every hospital i looked wanted me to have at least a year of oncology experience to be an onco nurse..how about you how did you break into onco nursing?

Ted · Aug 1, 2005

it seemed like every hospital i looked wanted me to have at least a year of oncology experience to be an onco nurse..how about you how did you break into onco nursing?

I went into Hematology/Oncology/BMT nursing right out of nursing college. Went to one of those "big teaching" hospitals. They had a great orientation program for the new nurse/new oncology nurse. The program was well organized for the new grad nurse.

In all honesty, I am surprised that every hospitals you looked into wanted one year's experience as an oncology nurse. That's too bad. Were any of them bigger teaching hospitals?? :confused:

How about joining the Oncology Nursing Society and start taking their oncology courses??? Just an idea. . . .

Ted

oncrnmom · Aug 1, 2005

I also started on an oncology unit directly after graduation from nursing school. Apply and try to talk to the nurse-manager on the oncology unit. Your med-surg experience would make your transition an easy one in my opinion.

inwyte · Aug 2, 2005

I went into Hematology/Oncology/BMT nursing right out of nursing college. Went to one of those "big teaching" hospitals. They had a great orientation program for the new nurse/new oncology nurse. The program was well organized for the new grad nurse.
In all honesty, I am surprised that every hospitals you looked into wanted one year's experience as an oncology nurse. That's too bad. Were any of them bigger teaching hospitals?? :confused:
How about joining the Oncology Nursing Society and start taking their oncology courses??? Just an idea. . . .
Ted

hey, ted.thats a great idea...and then ill guess ill look into large teaching hospital here in our area..if i started as a new onco nurse is my pay gonna be the same as a new grad nurse?...just a thought.

mandrews · Aug 2, 2005

I went to school and work at a teaching hospital, well at one of their smaller hospitals, at the main campus hospital the oncology unit hired six of our new grads so I think your idea to check out the teaching hospital is a great place to start.

melissa

:Melody:

caroladybelle, BSN, RN · Aug 2, 2005

I went from ID (specialty HIV) to Oncology. As many of the opportunistic infections are similarly treated, and the HIV population is at high risk for lymphomas (especially Burkitt's), it was a good introduction.

Join the ONS (lots of free info, subscriptions, CEUs with that) and study the ONS "Core Curriculum" book.

But a suggestion,try floating to onco frequently. Some people like the idea of Onco but have difficulty with the reality. But also if you float or perdiem there, they get to know you and it makes for an easier transition.

There is also a difference between BMT ("liquid" tumor), mixed (solid/liquid) tumor floors and outpatient chemo. "Liquid" tumor floors involve patients staying longer, repeated visits, being much sicker and less stable and frequently younger patients with poorer outcomes. Mixed tends to be more similar to medsurg with some chemo added in the mix. Outpatient chemo patients tend to have better outcomes.