Interested in Oncology nursing

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I'm starting a direct-entry DNP program (acute care track) this fall, with the ultimate goal of becoming an oncology NP specializing in palliative care. I've worked in healthcare/hospitals my entire career, but on the communications/project management side of things. For the last 4 years I've worked as a per diem patient care tech--1 year in med/surg and the other 3 years on an oncology/BMT unit. I will continue to work as a PCT while in school and have the option of picking up additional shifts on other units. What types of units should I consider getting some additional exposure to, that would ultimately be helpful when I first become an RN and eventually an NP (hopefully working in inpatient oncology to start...open to out-patient clinic as well)? Would you say more med/surg? MICU/SICU? ER? Cardiology? Neuro step down? TIA!

On 4/15/2019 at 11:09 AM, meilia said:

I'll be starting in the fall. Just getting a head start in gaining additional PCT experience, and will be looking to become an RN in oncology and work as an RN for the last 3 years of the program before I become an NP, and then I plan on doing an NP fellowship for additional training after that.

I truly apologize for my rude reply to you. I misread what you were asking. Best of luck in your career.

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14 hours ago, twinsmom788 said:

I truly apologize for my rude reply to you. I misread what you were asking. Best of luck in your career.

No worries!

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I may be partial since I worked in this setting for quite a while, but I would suggest either an outpatient infusion/oncology center or doctor's office where they give chemotherapy. The experience and information that you learn there with regards to different types of cancers, chemotherapy, side effects, supportive therapies, central line care/troubleshooting, and anticoagulation therapy will be invaluable. In the MD office you would also experience management of oral chemotherapies (something that you will never see in the hospital). Another bonus to outpatient therapies is that you get to see the patients on their GOOD days (as well as the bad days).

I never worked in radiation oncology, but that would be an invaluable experience as well.

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5 minutes ago, jess11RN said:

I may be partial since I worked in this setting for quite a while, but I would suggest either an outpatient infusion/oncology center or doctor's office where they give chemotherapy. The experience and information that you learn there with regards to different types of cancers, chemotherapy, side effects, supportive therapies, central line care/troubleshooting, and anticoagulation therapy will be invaluable. In the MD office you would also experience management of oral chemotherapies (something that you will never see in the hospital). Another bonus to outpatient therapies is that you get to see the patients on their GOOD days (as well as the bad days).

I never worked in radiation oncology, but that would be an invaluable experience as well.

Thank you for adding your experience - this is good to know! I so appreciate it.

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6 minutes ago, meilia said:

Thank you for adding your experience - this is good to know! I so appreciate it.

You're welcome. I switched specialties a few years back and I still miss it tremendously. Good luck!!

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