infusion clinic

[kerouac01]

Hey everyone! I am interested in oncology and will be interviewing soon for an infusion nurse position. I have 3 years of med/surg experience, but have no oncology experience at all. I was curious if I'll still learn a lot of new things regarding oncology care if working as an infusion nurse instead of an inpatient oncology nurse. I know I'll learn a lot about chemo and its administration, but would I be better off looking for an inpatient job? The training sounds great for this position, so I'd really like to accept it if it's offered to me. If I was to move to inpatient oncology down the road is it a pretty smooth transition going from an infusion nurse? I guess my goals are to become an oncology nurse and not to lose the skills I've gained in my 3 years in med/surg. Can you describe some of the skills used during a shift as an infusion nurse? Thanks for the help!

[prowlingMA]

I am a CMA that works in a Oncology Clinic, our nurses, start IVs, access Port and PICC lines, administer the chemo, mix the chemo, monitor IV pumps and external chemo pump starts, d/c's. I would study up on the drugs generic vs. trade name, which are used for what types of cancer, which can be mixed and usual admin times. Lots f dose calculation vs, BMI. Study side effects of drugs , that sort of thing. Time management and patient teaching are used all day. Family and pt counciling is huge.