Gynecologic Oncology

unknown99, BSN, RN · Jul 21, 2004

COME ON!!!! I know there has to be a nurse on this board who can offer some advice!!!! PLEASE!!!!

suzanne4, RN · Jul 21, 2004

They have usually had quite a few extremely invasive procedures done.

Age can vary from early 20s to ??? Most of the surgeries involve radical hysterectomies or just debulking if the tumor is already too large.

So this practice will be different than a "normal" gyn office as these patients have laready been diagnosed with cancer or have been referred because that is what the initial physician thinks.

Quite a bit a hand holding, and you are going to have patients expire that you have seen quite a bit of. In that way, not much different than an oncology office, only all of these patients will be female.

Hope that this helps.................. :balloons:

pebbles1977 · Jul 21, 2004

I don't work in an office, but currently on an inpatient GYN/GYN Oncology unit. I've also worked a few shifts in the GYN ONC clinic in our hospital.

It is so great. I couldn't imagine working any other oncology. Most of the patients are wonderful, and if you're a woman, you can truly bond with them. I'm sure you could also if you're a man, but where I work, it's all women staff (except for MDs). There's something about taking care of someone (especially those still of childbearing age) dealing with a disease that takes away something very important to them that helps you sympathize.

Yes, these are lasting relationships that do end most of the time with death. But you can help in so many ways. And from my experiences gynecologists are great to work with. I've heard from other nurses that this is generally the case (I've never worked closely with other MDs). Apparently they are a different breed!

So you should go for it! I bet you'll love it!

SmilingBluEyes · Jul 21, 2004

I don't as a rule take care of cancer patients, but have taken care of patients who are post-hysterectomy who had cancer. It IS a lot of handholding and tender loving care that is needed w/people like this. A lot of the process is the grieving one, like with a death. The denial, anger, bargaining, acceptance ( acceptance I we rarely see in the hospital). You have to respect the process and be available to listen and be there for the patient.

And let me give you some advice (as an oldie member here): It really helps to remember: sometimes, it takes a few days to get feedback on a given question on these boards. It is NOT that people are ignoring you, but that maybe no one who feels qualified has answered yet. One thing you can do is to "bump" the thread up ---(*politely please*)--- a couple of times to keep it visible. Sooner or later, you WILL hear from someone who can help you, even if it takes a few days. Have a good day.

unknown99, BSN, RN · Jul 21, 2004

Thanks everyone. It sounds like it is the thing for me!!! I have always liked oncology, so this sounds like the best thing for me.Thanks again!!!!

pebbles1977 · Jul 21, 2004

Thank you BluEyes, but as a newbie here, I might have been offended by your response if it was me (with the underlines, bolds, and caps). I personally didn't find her bump pushy or anything (not your words). And I wasn't offended as a reader, but if I got your response, I may have been.

I think the OP has made a great decision!! Good luck to you, and feel free to ask any questions you may have! Take care, and if you pray, say lots of them in your journey. You'll need it sometimes!

SmilingBluEyes · Jul 22, 2004

Sorry you are offended. I am trying to help. Reread her post; to me it DID seem a bit over the top. I am not trying to offend anyone and if I did you, sorry. (I removed the underlines to appear less offensive). My intent was never to offend, really.