Interview advice for a Pediatric Oncology/Hematology position.

[chitownbound]

I am a recent graduate, just got my license a month ago today. I have an interview with my top choice hospital in the Pediatric Oncology and Hematology unit. I am very nervous! I adore kids, I'm very confident interacting with them and oncology is my area of choice. Does anyone have any advice about interviewing for this type of position? I am going to brush up on my developmental knowlege, leukemias, Sickle Cell disease, etc....is there anything else specific that might help me? Any bit of knowledge would be greatly appreciated.

[Double-Helix, BSN, RN]

Various kinds of central lines, ports and long term access. Routine care, how to access, size of syringe to use, etc.

Chemo precautions

Neutropenic precautions

Anti-emetics and pain medication

Other conditions you'll likely see: Brain cancers: Neuroblastomas, gliomas and medulloblastoma. Wilms Tumor, osteosarcoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, lymphoma (Hodgkins and non-Hodgkins), thalassemia, hemophilias, anemia, neutropenia and thrombocytopenia

It might be helpful for you to know the requirements to become Chemo certified. You'll undoubtably have to become certified within a certain period of time. Knowing the requirements and how to go about this (how many hours in practice, how many times you have to hang chemo, whether there is a test involved) will show that you're serious about the position.

It's hard to say how to prepare for an interview. Everyone has their own style and system of interviewing. You might not get any clinical questions at all. Most likely they will want to get a feel of your personality, how you will handle working with kids with terminal illnesses, whether you can be professional while being compassionate and empathetic, whether you're a team player who will fit in with their staff.

Good luck!

[KelRN215, BSN, RN]

If you're a new grad and they know it, I'd doubt that you'll get many clinical questions. I wouldn't expect a nurse manager to ask you about oncological emergencies like tumor lysis syndrome during an interview, for example. I'd expect more of "Why do you want to work here [at this hospital]?" "Why pedi oncology?" "What experience do you have with children?" "Could you handle working with dying children?"

[ShantheRN, BSN, RN]

I agree with Kel's advice. As a new grad, they're not going to expect you to know the specifics. It takes a couple of years in hem/onc before you start feeling like you really know what you're doing and understand the reason for different protocols/treatments. Focus on your general experience with kids....and you need to really think about the concept of dying children, their families, and the fact that you'll need to focus on their emotional difficulties and put yours on the back burner while you're caring for them.

It's an awesome specialty but it breaks my heart sometimes. Good luck with your interview!