New GN on oncology floor, with the "deer in headlights look"

psalm, RN · Jun 18, 2008

Have you taken the chemo classes yet before you are certified? Usually a GN will do all except the chemo until class is completed, and that lasts about 3-4 weeks of a 6-8 hour day each week, with tests, simlabs, etc.

You will get better as time goes by. Be organized, ask your preceptor ques., and ask about any books, texts that will help you.

I usually label my syringes for flushing. If NS, I use marker , NS. If heparin and it is not the pre-filled heparin syringe, I put tape around the syringe. I know by looking and feeling the tape that it is the heparin. Or you could label NS with black and heparin with red marker. Ask others what works for them.

MissMelMcRN · Jun 22, 2008

I was wondering if anyone can help me with the feeling of being overwhelmed. I recently graduated and started as a GN on the oncology floor. Just to let you know I knew this was going to be my place in nursing the minute I stepped into nursing school. However, we never got a change to do a clinical rotation on an oncology floor which really bummed me out.
So now.... I have been on the floor a week and a half and I feel at times as though everything I learned is school has just "flown out the window", so much to learn and it is such a fast paced floor.
So many different kinds of chemo and the organization with the meds and making sure everything is done just right!!! Working with the triple lumen's.. I just feel so overwhelmed. How to flush them when to use NS and when to use heparin!!!!!! My goodness!!!!! They said that orientation will last about 6 weeks and then I will be moved to my shift. Is that truly enough time?????
Any comments or feedback is welcomed...
Thanks so much
One overwhelmed GN
Jenn

Great...I have been hired as a GN on Oncology...I start Orientation on Mon 23rd:eek:

Nice to meet you!

Melissa

gnoncology · Jun 22, 2008

Where do ya live melissa??? In pa??? Good luck with everything pls keep in touch!!!!

Jenn

MissMelMcRN · Jun 22, 2008

Indiana :nurse:

vtmary22 · Jun 22, 2008

I'm also a new nurse and I start orientation July 7th in the Hematology/Oncology Department. I'm excited and nervous at the same time! I live in Vermont, will be working in New Hampshire. I would love to hear from other new nurses about their experiences!

MagnesiuM · Jun 25, 2008

I'm also a new nurse and I start orientation July 7th in the Hematology/Oncology Department. I'm excited and nervous at the same time! I live in Vermont, will be working in New Hampshire. I would love to hear from other new nurses about their experiences!

hey, i'm not trying to hijack the thread here, but where in VT do you live that you can work in NH? is that a better arrangement than jobs in VT? i'm living in miami, FL right now, but when i graduate my partner and i want to move to new england.

so many options right now, and trying to choose where to go is like spinning the globe and putting your finger down! it's hard....looking for somewhere where she can get a job too (print media graphic design) and somewhere we can have a family :-)

thanks! sorry to digress from the thread.

Ilovemyanimals · Jun 26, 2008

I too will be going to the Oncology floor July 14th! But for me I had two semesters of clinicals on the floor I was hired at. My teacher was an adjunct who herself is a clinician on that floor, which helps out a lot too.

About Flushing.

Remember SASH Saline. Administer (med). Saline . Heparin.

Only use heparin if you are heplocking a lumen. If it has continuous flow do not hep lock.

Your hosp should have the protocol for all the different Central line IE. How much heparin depending on the type of line.

Good luck I hope I cleared something up :smokin:

rn undisclosed name · Jun 27, 2008

Regarding flushing it varies by institution. Heparin is not routinely used on triple lumens at my facility as long as they are getting flushed every shift that is adequate. Patients go home with these in and believe me they are not putting heparin in them on a daily basis.

I went from working on a tele unit to an oncology/tele unit and as a somewhat experienced nurse it was very overwhelming for me. I could not have imagined doing it as a new grad. Unfortunately it will feel like this for a year and then things will get better. I didn't believe it but they really did get better.

Oh, and I don't think 6 weeks is enough time for a new grad. Ask them for more time. The first place I was at was 12 weeks and where I am now it is 10 weeks for new grads and 6 weeks for experienced nurses.

Ilovemyanimals · Jun 30, 2008

Regarding flushing it varies by institution. Heparin is not routinely used on triple lumens at my facility as long as they are getting flushed every shift that is adequate. Patients go home with these in and believe me they are not putting heparin in them on a daily basis.
I went from working on a tele unit to an oncology/tele unit and as a somewhat experienced nurse it was very overwhelming for me. I could not have imagined doing it as a new grad. Unfortunately it will feel like this for a year and then things will get better. I didn't believe it but they really did get better.
Oh, and I don't think 6 weeks is enough time for a new grad. Ask them for more time. The first place I was at was 12 weeks and where I am now it is 10 weeks for new grads and 6 weeks for experienced nurses.

:yeah:

I did my clinicals on the Oncology floor for two semesters and I just loved the experience. I just got my first job there and begin In July!! :clown:

Our Triple lumens get Heplocked if not in use per 12h (each shift) We also have Picc, Porta Cath .... which have to be maintained.

Our hospital provides 12 wks for orientation. I hope that provides me enough time to understand all the paperwork that needs to be completed. I don't worry about pt care but all the legalities and paperwork that need to be done... :confused: I do know a lot because of doing clinicals there but there are always the ones that get done behind closed doors per say.

I say "Jump into the cold water or don't do it at all"

I love this site. How great is it for all of us to come together and help each other out. Thanks.

oncrn17 · Jul 10, 2008

I always tell the nurses I precept to start with "I am a new nurse and I hope you will understand if I ask you to repeat yourself or spell it so I get it right." I even used that after I left my job after 29 years and started a new job. It makes others stop and realize you are new instead of having "that attitude and voice" if you ask them to repeat themselves. I tell them they can use that phrase for awhile until they are are comfortable with themselves. Believe me, it works! Good Luck!

RN28MD · Jul 23, 2008

That is great advice, Thanks I will use that for sure

Has anyone started yet? How is it like? I am considering starting Oncology too but not sure what to expect. Any info those of you who said you started early JULY.