I want to be an Oncology Nurse...

[Proud43]

Hey,

I just graduated in May,08 and have a goal to someday work with Cancer patients. Anyone else out there with the same aspirations? I also would love to work with Hospice. I hope I don't have to spend to many precious years gaining experience on a floor or in a speciality I dont really have a passion for.

[CalypsoRN]

I have been working with cancer Pts(about 5 years now) and I know it is not something I want to do now that I am New grad... so much that I turned down a position on my floor. I have watched too many good ppl die 298 to be exact.

I know their stories their loved ones and become a part of their lives for I see them everyday. I know and understand that they are sick but you must remember that it is you that holds their hand you that hangs that first bag of chemo, you that they call at 5 am into their room and they ask you to tell them honesty if they are going to die.

If that is something you want to do my advice is not to care too much because it hurts everytime. I had one pt pass away and till this day it still breaks my heart. It was as if I lost a brother.Just this week alone 4 great ppl passed away and I went to all of their wakes/funerals. I knew I needed a change when I would see a pt walk through the door and I would know that they are not going to make it. There is more sadness then happiness in ONC.

honey it is harder than you think. Really think about it because Onc nurses burnout faster than you think. It takes an emotional toll on you after a while ,I comend you for wanting to do it:saint:. If you can get into a day clinic/outpatient setting jump on it. Or better yet do pedi onc for you have more sucess with blood cancers,for they are younger and the cancer is usually found sooner

sorry to be a drag

[crazensweet]

wow....thats someting...