My Love For Being a Pediatric Hematology / Oncology Nurse

[Mramjohn]

I knew as a young child I wanted to work in the medical field. When I was 14yrs I was aware I would be called to be a nurse. I did not go straight to college after high school, instead, I decided to get married and have children.

I began my career path in the medical field while working as a medical assistant when I was 19 yrs. old in a pediatric office. This setting later confirmed for me that I wanted to continue my calling in the nursing field, as a pediatric nurse. I feel privileged to have a wonderful husband and family who made it all possible for me to go to college and helped to make my dreams come true.

I started my nursing career at a well-known pediatric hospital as medical/surgical nurse. On my unit, after a year, if you were a strong nurse, you were strongly encouraged to do oncology. So, I was enrolled for the oncology provider course. Never in my wildest dream did I imagine I would love being a pediatric hematology/oncology (Hem/Onc) nurse. I was afraid of getting attached to the patient's, especially if it was not going to be a good outcome, but to my surprise I realized that this is what God called me to do. The fear I had of taking care of the pediatric oncology population was gone, this turned out to be my calling.

I get asked a lot, "How can you do that?" My response is that I enjoy being able to make lasting relationships with my patient and their families. I love that in my job I get to spend large amounts of time with the same families, get to know them and they get to know me. I love seeing my patients get well when they have been so sick. I love that I get to know each of their unique personalities and know how they like their care delivered.

Nevertheless, there are sad times also working on an oncology unit. In my career span, I have seen most of the children I cared for get better. It's very emotional for nurses when you know there is nothing you can do to help your patient, other than provide support. You become very close with the families, and when a child dies, it's terrible. However, as difficult as it is, to provide my patient and family with comfort in their time of loss, it is a great honor in such a distressing time.

There are definitely ups and downs working on an oncology unit. Can it be emotionally straining? Yes, but it is also rewarding. Seeing them ride their tricycles, or having them play pranks on us, and even getting ready for the oncology prom is amazing. I love the hugs I get from patients and families and having long talks. I love being able to celebrate their last chemo. I love when a patient is off treatment and they come back to visit. It just shows how much we really mean to them. They teach me that life is too short and to appreciate every moment with your friends and family. I love what I do, and would not change it for the world.

[raleighgirl]

Hi Mramjohn,

I am in the process of trying to decide on my preceptorship location for my final semester of nursing school and I would really like to talk to you about Peds hem/onc. This too is something I am very passionate about and I was on the peds hem/onc floor for my regular peds rotation and never felt more inspired. I would love to talk with you about your experiences and help me determine if this is the path that's right for me. I can't send a private message but if you can email me [email protected]. Thank you :)

[anilos81]

Thank you so much for writing this, your responses to others were especially helpful because I get asked those questions every time I tell people I want to work in pediatric oncology. Pediatric oncology is my goal, and the reason I decided to become a nurse. I am a new grad waiting to take my NCLEX. I was wondering if I could ask your opinion? I have applied for all of the available pediatric oncology new grad programs in my area, if I do not get into one do you think I should try to focus on getting a job in pediatrics, or getting a job in oncology? My ultimate goal is to work in pediatric oncology, so I want to get the experience that will help me get there and be the best nurse. Best case scenario would be to get a peds onc new grad program, but I need to have a plan B. Thanks in advance for your help!

[kelseykelsey4]

I think peds would be good. Sometimes on a general pediatric floor you'll get some overflow oncology patients. Plus you'll already know peds and be familiar with pediatric dosages for antibiotics, antiemetics, etc and maybe get some experience with pediatric ports. And then you will just need to learn about oncology. Plus if you get a job on a general pediatric floor in a children's hospital it might be an easy transfer to the pediatric oncology floor. You could even maybe cross train or rub shoulders with the manager!

Good luck!

[anilos81]

Thank you so much, you make some excellent points. I had not thought about the calculations I will need to become familiar with for pediatrics. I think I will aim for pediatrics if I don't get into pediatric oncology right away. Thanks for the advice!

[Jlively72]

This is so inspiring. I applied last week to Nursing school after a 25 year out of school gap...I can't wait to start and this is my one day goal. I love what you wrote.