New grad needs advice/info r/t oncology

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Okay.....here's the deal. I will graduate from an RN program in KY in two weeks and am starting the job hunt! I applied to several hospitals last Friday and started getting call-backs yesterday. I have an interview Monday with St. Joseph hospital. The positions mentioned to me were oncology and ICU north. The recruiter asked which I would be interested in interviewing for and I said "both". I also have an interview with UofL on Wednesday for a PCU position. They are all 7pm-7am positions (which I want), but here's my dilemma. I don't know which position is right for me!

On one hand, I think the ICU would give me a ton of experience. I have not had any experience with vents or anything of that nature. I like fast paced environments and I would love to get the experience, but I also love to interact with patients on a more personal level.

On the other hand, I think I would really enjoy oncology. I know that cancer is not a death sentence, but I also know that patients on these units do die. I am comfortable with that and confident in my ability to deal with that on a day to day basis. Also, I think it would be an extremely rewarding career. Lastly, I like the idea of getting to know my patients.

Any adivce on this career choice would be very much appreciated.

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Please give me some advice! Surely someone out there has some! I have to decide by tomorrow afternoon whether I want to go the Oncology direction or the Trauma direction......I am having problems! :(

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well i was deciding btwn the both myself, just a few mos ago. i went the icu route only bc it would allow for me to gain more certifications. and my resume was already full of oncology work due to my previous degree. but to me it sounds like you already know what you want to do, you just want us to say it is ok. you have a bunch of pros for oncology and pretty much one/two for ICU....

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Specializes in Oncology, Med-Surg, ED.

I worked on an Oncology floor right after school. I enjoyed it, learned a ton, and found it very rewarding. I became very close to many of my patients and their families. Often they would be admitted and readmitted, so you did build a relationship with them. It was inspiring to watch those who beat ca. It was rewarding to help those who didnt defeat ca. Many times, you were nurse to an entire family as they learned to deal with the illness.

ICU is a different world and I was not ready to "go there" right after school. I am entertaining the thought of it now, but I think you need to develop your nursing "gut" before you go to the units.

You will probably have many others tell you that new grads can go straight to the units. THis is just my 2 cents.

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