LPN Student Wanting to Pursue Oncology

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Hello,

Im actually in my first semester at Norquest.

I'm hoping to eventually work in the field of oncology/palliative care. I'm wondering how common that is for LPNS and how much experience every feels is necessary to get there.

I'm obviously not going to walk right into it after graduating, but Im wondering what clinicals you feel I should partake in to help me achieve this goal.

Any stories or suggestions would be appreciated!

Thank you.

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

Most states do not permit LPNs to handle/administer chemotherapy. Many acute care facilities no longer hire LPNs.

Hospice (inpatient or home care) and certain palliative care programs are definitely a possibility for LPNs.

Palliative care units that require IV push medication skills may be out of the scope of LPN.

Most LPN programs do not permit students to select clinical rotations or sites.

Start with your state BoN for the nursing practice act/scope of practice for LPNs to see what the possibilities are in your state.

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I should have specified. I'm in Alberta Canada.

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Here we can select our last two clinicals, And LPNS are permitted to work with IVS. If anyone has any information regarding Oncology LPNs in Alberta, please respond.

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.
Here we can select our last two clinicals, And LPNS are permitted to work with IVS. If anyone has any information regarding Oncology LPNs in Alberta, please respond.

That makes a big difference. The scope of practice and opportunities for LPNs in Canada can be vastly different from US LPNs. Generally the scope is more liberal but Canadian LPNs have at least 2 years education to the 10-15 month of the US LPN

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

This discussion has been moved to the Canadian Nursing Programs forum due to the striking differences between practical nursing education and practice in the US and Canada (LPNs don't work in oncology in most US states, but they do in many Canadian provinces).

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Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

Yes you should have no trouble getting into an oncology/palliative setting. i am in Ontario and there are continuing education courses for PNs in oncology here. Alberta quite likely has something similar.You relly don't need any special qualifications to work in palliative care. I work on a floor that has palliative beds.

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Cross Cancer Institute employs LPNs but I don't think there are any preceptors there. It is not a place for a placement as experienced LPNs are hired there. You need to have honed your assessment skills.

General Surgery or Medicine placements would serve you best.

Palliative will hire fairly new nurses. There are palliative units in many of the Continuing Care facilities.

When you are on your LTC placement look and see if the facility has a palliative unit.

I wouldn't hold too much hope in getting the clinical placements that you set your heart on. Preceptors need a break and the last couple of years, have been hard on them.

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Specializes in NICU.

I work in surgical oncology, my first job out of school. I deal with more of the surgical side of things though.

There is a strictly oncology ward in my hospital which is more acute exacerbations of chemo/cancer ect. which does have RPNs. I know in my hospital RPNs cannot hang chemo and do not work on the hematology ward.

Many of my peers got jobs in palliative care. I'm in Ontario though. Good luck!

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