MedSurg Ortho or MedSurg Oncology

Aeterna, BSN, RN · Apr 12, 2011

Well, it's hard to say based simply on knowing the names of the units because it's hard to tell how specialized they are, what kinds of services they provide, etc.

In my experience, orthopedics and oncology are VERY different.

Ortho is a lot of hip and knee replacements, fractures, casts, surgical dressing changes, assisting with increasing mobility...that sort of stuff. You'll also be responsible for managing surgical pain.

Onco is dealing with cancer patients, so (depending on the unit) you'll see lots of people receiving chemotherapy and radiation treatment. Since you mention med-surg onco, perhaps surgical excision of tumours, as well. Pain management will be in there, too. You'll probably see plenty of central lines, too. Also be prepared for working with palliative patients, as well.

SNIXRN · Apr 21, 2011

I love love love being an ortho nurse. We get a lot of hips, knees, and shoulder replacements. We manage a lot of post-op pain, neurovascular checks, d/c hemovacs, occasionally give some blood and straight cath if they can't void.

Guest296136 · Apr 23, 2011

I I think the ortho is too limiting oncology teaches you a lot about many disease processes

GatorNurse10 · May 23, 2011

I would go with the oncology position as ortho could get routine after a period of time. Though of course if you love ortho then that would obviously be the job to choose. Your ortho patients will be in & out very fast so you'll see a lot of new patients. The oncology patients will tend to stick around a little longer so you can make more of a connection with them. It all depends on what you are looking for in a position.