New Oncology Nurse

[Soneshine]

Hi All,

I just got a job in an outpatient oncology clinic!!! I'm very excited and nervous at the same time. I've been a nurse for a little over a year now, working in Med/surg. Before I start my new job, do you have any advice for a new nurse in Oncology? Maybe things you wished other people would have told you sooner- or that you would have known before you started in this area? I really want this to work out!!

Any really good resources or books you'd recommend?

Thank you so very much for any feedback!!

[wiegel34]

I have been an Oncology nurse for 6 years, the most important thing to remember is safety first. You will be working with a lot of strong and dangerous drugs that could help your patient, but given the wrong way could really hurt your patient. Always know what you are giving, how the drug works, what drugs interact with it and the correct way to administer the drug. Your patient's life and your license depends on this. Take your time, ask a lot of questions. Your pharmacist is a great source of info. Enjoy your new position, it is a joy to work with cancer patients. They have taught me more than I could have ever expected. I was an Obstetrical nurse prior to this, what a change. It has been a great pleasure and privilege to work with these people.

[ORSmurf]

Hi All,

I just got a job in an outpatient oncology clinic!!! I'm very excited and nervous at the same time. I've been a nurse for a little over a year now, working in Med/surg. Before I start my new job, do you have any advice for a new nurse in Oncology? Maybe things you wished other people would have told you sooner- or that you would have known before you started in this area? I really want this to work out!!

Any really good resources or books you'd recommend?

Thank you so very much for any feedback!!

Congratulations Soneshine!!

I started at an outpatient cancer center about 4 months ago. I've also only been an RN for a little over 2 years (8 years as an LVN) and most of my career has been in the OR. It was a huge change, to say the least. You already got what I think is the best advice - take your time and look up meds! It's easy to feel rushed and it's so important to know what you're giving. I hate to make people wait, but I'm sure they'd rather wait than to have a mistake made. It's toxic stuff we're working with. Don't cut corners - protect yourself and your patient.

It's such an honor to work with this population - I love the patients and am blessed with the most supportive co-workers. I hope you are as well. Best of luck to you!

Christine