New Grad starting Oncology

[TNnurse]

I am soooooo EXCITED to start my first job as an Oncology nurse!!

[CAL05699]

To all the new grads getting oncology floor jobs, congrats!!

Did you guys have any experience before you applied, like an internship or externship?

I just want my foot in the door!!

I had done a practicum on an oncology floor at another hospital, and that probably helped me get an interview for the job.

[saulone27]

i got the interview and it went really well.. then i get a call that the person who interviewed after me " was older and had some experience". well I didnt get the job!

Good luck!

[werkinit]

Good luck Coconita! Sorry I don't have any advice for you, but I wish you the best and keep us posted on how it all turns out!!

[dreavt, BSN, RN]

I was hired as a new grad to an inpatient hem/onc floor, in Aug 2009. I LOVE it, at least the onco part! About 5 months ago, my unit sent men to an ONS chemo course. The things I did not know much about as a new grad, and *needed* to know on the floor:

: hematological malignancies, particularly AML; and standard tx thereof

: neutropenia and neutropenic fever & management

: heme & electolyte lab values

: oncological emergencies

: blood products -- all the details about parameters & administration

: PEG-tubes -- care and feedings

: end of life care

Good luck! It's a fascinating speciality, and though it can be very hard emotionally, it can also be very rewarding.

[IrishRN8]

So good to know! I am starting my first job as a nurse on an oncology floor. I am so excited and sooo nervous. I had graduated in April of last year and feel that my skills, knowlege, and confidence have been dwindling. Anyone else feel that way? or is this normal? Any advise?

[NoblePath]

So good to know! I am starting my first job as a nurse on an oncology floor. I am so excited and sooo nervous. I had graduated in April of last year and feel that my skills, knowlege, and confidence have been dwindling. Anyone else feel that way? or is this normal? Any advise?

I have 6 months experience on an oncology/palliative floor and one thing that the nurses that are precepting new nurses have complained about is when they are orienting a new nurse that is afraid to take opportunities to learn something and have no initiative. One nurse even asked not to be a preceptor to one new nurse that is orienting now because of this issue. Take every opportunity you can get to learn any procedure or watch a nurse educating even if it means you have to stay late to chart or if it inconveniences you. I took every opportunity and I'm glad I did and I'm respected for that. It's unbelievable how much learning you will do in a short amount of time.