5 Most Important Clincal Skills as an oncology Nurse

Nesher, BSN, RN · Feb 2, 2005

All are equal in importance

1. caring calm attitude

2. ability to put yourself in their shoes

3. up to date knowledge of what your patient is dealing with

4. willingness to look and see the big picture

5. ability to put side the stuffy professional and hold someones hand and cry with them.

6. Be a human and react in a human caring manner

beckymcrn · Feb 3, 2005

1. Time to spend with patients

2. ability to hold hands of patients and family members

3. empathy

4. knowledge of oncology ( although no one person can know all you should keep up to date on diseases, treatments,side effects, etc....)

5.ability to teach patient at what ever level of education

I do think all of these are actually about equally important. The most part of being a GOOD onccology nurse is to CARE!!!!, and to let your patients know you care.

leslie :-D · Feb 4, 2005

i have a different perspective of priorities...

1. know the pt's dx, i.e, the type of ca, any mets sites, any comorbidities

2. know inside and out the chemo agents being used- the s.e's, what systems/organs they're likely to affect....that also goes for the adjuvant drugs being administered and how they may interact with anything else given.

3. know your patient...are they anxious, in denial, fearful- treat them as you'd treat your own.

4. know how to advocate for your patient when conferring with the oncs. or family members if the patient needs rest.

5. be patient and compassionate with the families- ca affects all involved.

leslie

Ted · Feb 8, 2005

"Ditto" all of these responses! Here's a few more. . .

1) Knowledgable about Dx, drugs, Standards of Care, etc. . .

2) Caring/compassionate - BIG TIME!

3) Have YOUR own support system. Onc. can be quite emotional most times.

4) Keep "work at work" and "home at home" (very much related to #3)

5) Encourage the use of "diversional activities" when appropriate (listening to music, art/drawing, knitting, laptop computer, reading, etc, etc.).

Becky32668 · Feb 11, 2005

Hi, I'm new here and am inquisitive to hear from oncology nurses....I do believe it's my calling and would welcome any insight you have.

fester555 · Mar 22, 2005

:uhoh3:

1) be honest and empathetic without being condesending. Most people know what is in front of them and those who are dying have been advised of the fact by the medical officers, they deserve better than to be lied to. Even those in denial know the truth deep down. Sometimes holding hands and crying with them can be considered as pity

2) ensure total knowledge relating to the nursing care of your patient, both physical and emotional. Honestly answer the questions the patient and the family ask you and if you are unsure of an answer to a question, don't be afraid to say "I do not know" but be sure to add "I will go and find someone that does"

3) include family members with the ADL's of the patient where possible, especially spouses and children of elderly patients.

4) Know when the patient and family need space or privacy or to just be alone without the interferance of hospital staff. Most things can wait a few minutes for something as important as this.

5) Be yourself and if you have to have a good cry releive yourself from your patients and go and have it. Patients can see right through anything you might do to try and hide your saddness.

missy2b · Jan 29, 2006

1. knowledge first

2. ability/willingness to teach and learn--they will be going home eventually

3. empathy--there is a reason your head is getting bitten off

4. a smile when you don't feel like it

5. teamwork attitude--you too can catch puke and clean poo

6. ability to separate work and personal life--otherwise you will burn out quickly

caring45 · Jan 30, 2006

1. knowledge first
2. ability/willingness to teach and learn--they will be going home eventually
3. empathy--there is a reason your head is getting bitten off
4. a smile when you don't feel like it
5. teamwork attitude--you too can catch puke and clean poo
6. ability to separate work and personal life--otherwise you will burn out quickly

Missy 2b,

Could you give me some ideas on care for an elderly mom at home during chemo. How important is cleanliness and diet?

Thanks

missy2b · Jan 30, 2006

Missy 2b,
Could you give me some ideas on care for an elderly mom at home during chemo. How important is cleanliness and diet?
Thanks

Bless you!

Hmm, in real life I am so shy I don't give advice to anyone:imbar

--You don't have to do a thorough thorough bath every day, but you do need to check her skin and make sure she is turning.

--Skin care. Keep it moisturized and get any skin breaks taken care of. Incontinence causes serious problems.

--Mouth care. Brush or sponge swab after each meal and before bed. If dentures are rubbing, take them out. No flossing with low plts.

--No nose blowing with low plts, either.

--Turn, cough, deep breathe. Repeat.

--Watch for fall risk. . .change in flooring, stairs, stocking feet, wet floors, etc.

--Ankle pumps, butt squeezes, leg raises, ROM

--Protein, protein, protein. (In my world, most everyone third spaces because albumin levels are pitiful.) Accept changing tastes and be flexible when the water she has consumed for 40 years now tastes metallic. Jello is OK, but Ensure is better.

I am sleep deprived and foggy. :zzzzz Hope this helps.