New Grad-Oncology/BMT Floor

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Hi, I hope someone will be willing to give me some insight on what to expect when I start my first job as a GN on an oncology floor. I am very excited but nervous and scared at the same time. I had an internship after my senior clinical both in the ED so haven't been on a floor in a year and that was for clinicals. I don't even know what questions to ask but any insight would be wonderful. Thanks in advance :confused:

Specializes in Oncology/BMT.

Hello everyone!

I just got hired for the Oncology/BMT RN position. I'm nervous too but I'm excited to start my nursing career.

Best wishes everyone!

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Specializes in Onc/Hem, School/Community.

Hello All. I am happy to see so many people interested in oncology. I worked as an aide in oncology and loved it. The patient population is so special. I graduate in May 2009 and plan on working at the same hospital in oncology afterward. I am currently trying to get an internship there also. In Care I, Care II, and Pediatric clinicals I always tried to pick oncology patients (until the instructors caught on and told me I needed to learn about other disease processes also). :yawn:

Throughout the years, my family has lost loved-ones to cancer; however, for as long as I can remember, the reason I wanted to work with these special patients is d/t the fact many people do not. I am always for the "underdog" so to speak.

Right now, I am hoping to get some BMT experience, but will hold tight and see what happens. I was wondering, do you get frustrated when you tell people that you are going into oncology and they grimace and say, "Why would you want to do THAT?" Of course, there are other rude comments made, but I'm getting tired of it. I just tell them that oncology is no different than ICU, ER, CV, etc. You are going to lose patients and some DO RECOVER and lead quality lives.

I apologize for the ramble, I'm just excited to see you all here.

KOT :grad::stdnrsrck:

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Sprklplnty -- sorry to hear about the boards. When are you scheduled to take it again? I think that is awesome that your nurse mgr wants to you stay.

I'm glad this thread is here. I just got hired onto an Oncology unit as an RN and will start Sept 22. I'm very interested to read how everyone's experience is as a new Oncology nurse.

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Sprklplnty,

If you have not take NCLEX-RN again since your posting, send me a PM if you are interested & I'll share some info with you. You will succeed on your second round!

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I started with oncology 4 1/2 months ago. Still a deer in headlights. I ask so many questions all the time, I think I'm driving people crazy. So busy that I can't spend the time to research patient's condition. I can't wait til the day I feel certain enough to NOT ask questions.

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Hi all, I was a new grad a couple of years ago and have always wanted to go to ED, but needed experience of course so I went to Med/Surg for a couple of months, and then when an opening came for Oncology I transferred there and have been there since. I have always planned on going to ED but always hesitated b/c of how I loved being in oncology. So now I am actually thinking about going to ED and keeping my oncology position as per diem or part-time.

I had to get chemo-cert after 6mo. in the unit and also requiered tele.

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Specializes in abdominal transplant.

hello hello. also new grad here that just got hired to a oncology/transplant unit in philadelphia pa. i'm pretty excited to start and have tried to calm my fears by looking through the "new grad" forums. they were pretty helpful but i'm still not sure what to expect from the patients on my unit. i did like my manager from the interview and the rest of the staff seemed very progressive which is positive. i will be working nights starting nov. 3rd. any tips from experienced nurses?

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Specializes in Med-Surg, LTC, Rehab.

Wow! It's been a while since anyone picked up this thread. How is everyone doing? I'm starting on an oncology floor next month myself.

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Specializes in Oncology, Emergency Department.

Update: I did pass the boards my second try early September and have been working since then. It's been a struggle learning all the new information and especially the unique needs that our patients require. We have a large unit, 48 beds of which 8 are BMT rooms. I will be taking my chemo certification class in August and already am tele certified. I was working full time PM's and that was just too much, didn't see my husband at all so am starting Weekend program on Sat/Sun NOC's and then picking up one PM shift/week.

Our floor has pretty bad morale. We have lost atleast 5 RNs in the past 6 months or so. The management is not great and we are severely understaffed. I'm trying to hang in there for at minimum 1 year then re-evaulate.

How is it going with everyone else?

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Specializes in Oncology/Hematology.

Congrats on passing boards...sorry to hear morale is down on your unit. I graduate May 9th and start on an Oncology floor July 20 :) Hang in there, hopefully things look up!

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hey i'm a new grad also and i wanted to go into oncology but most places i look into say i need 1-2yrs of oncology or med-surg experience. i of course still apply but still no luck. anyone care to share how they got hired as a new grad. any advice is helpful.. i'm really interested in oncology. anyone from NYC? maybe its just nyc thats not hiring new grads ;(

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Specializes in Med-Surg, LTC, Rehab.
hey i'm a new grad also and i wanted to go into oncology but most places i look into say i need 1-2yrs of oncology or med-surg experience. i of course still apply but still no luck. anyone care to share how they got hired as a new grad. any advice is helpful.. i'm really interested in oncology. anyone from NYC? maybe its just nyc thats not hiring new grads ;(

It probably depends on the hospital. The hospital I work for hires new grads to the oncology unit. But you have to be certified to give chemo and you have to work there a year first.

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