Help me...any info will do

[fairyprincess2003]

Hi everyone,

I am a senior in my BSN program. We have to pick a specialty to do a four week preceptorship in for next semester. I am considering oncology. I know a lot about cancer but I am not exactly sure what the duties of an oncology nurse is. What does your day consist of? What types of duties do you perform?

Sorry to sound ignorant but I really need any input you can give me.

Thanks soooo much

:)

[fairyprincess2003]

any RN's in oncology please help:)

thanks

[researchrabbit]

I'm not an oncology RN, but in nursing school two years ago, I did an oncology rotation. I loved it. We did have two patients die while I was on that rotation, so that is something to consider...but the families were so grateful to have caring people around them. If you like the instructor in that rotation, I'd highly recommend it. IV meds, blood products, mouth care, infection control measures...lots of learning.

[IslandGirl]

Hi! I have been an oncology Rn since I graduated in June '01. I did not think I would have the heart for oncology but I seem to have found my calling. It is sad indeed but what you get back is priceless. I meet a lot of wonderful people and their families. I see family love and devotion. When my patients die I am happy for them because we have helped them have a good death such as that can be.

You will develop excellent clinical skills. I do a lot of blood draws, transfusions of blood products, give meds via NGT and PEGs. I am chemo certified so I also administer chemotherapy through IV or venous access devices. There is an excellent book called "Oncology Nursing Secrets" that is very helpful. I hope you give it a try. By the way, I thought I knew a lot about cancer before I worked here and I realize now I knew nothing!

I love my job and I encourage the nursing students we get to give it a try. Good Luck!!

[renerian, BSN, RN]

I worked a BMT unit over 6 years. WE did chemo, assisted with lots of procedures on the floor, induction and consolidation chemo, did radiation implant care, clinic overflow patients, off the floor chemo, tons of blood products, lots of terminal care, big med passes and transplants.

Does that help? Very very busy floor. Excellent experience.

renerian

[jemb]

I worked oncology floors for 12 years. We did blood and platelet transfusions galore, chemo (you have to be certified to administer the drugs, but not to monitor side effects, etc.), lots of central line dressings, flushes, port accesses, blood draws from lines and ports, lots and lots of teaching, end of life care, tons of family interactions, plus overflow from med-surg floors. Most of the older onc patients have multiple medical problems, so we had to stay on top of those as well. Very busy! For the last four years, I've been doing outpt oncology, which involves all of the above as long as the patient is still able to come into the clinic.

[Spirit A-glow]

How does one obtain Certification in Oncology?

In my new position in Radiation Therapy I have been requested to obtain this certification. Any advice or guidance would be apreciated. I have been looking for review material and have so far been unable to obtain a manual to study from.

Thanks!