New Oncology Nurse!

dreavt, BSN, RN · Aug 8, 2009

Me too! I graduated in May, passed the NCLEX first week of June, and finally landed an interview for this position (which I really really wanted) in mid-July.

I start general orientation on Aug 10, central nursing orientation Aug 13, and then unit orientation on Aug 19. I'll be on a 29-bed hem/onc floor at a teaching hospital. I am psyched but nervous -- I have a strong personal interest in oncology, but never had an onco pts in school, so I'm having a hard time imagining what it will actually be like...

Wishing us both luck! Keep us posted!

Msnurselaura · Sep 17, 2009

I too am a New Oncology nurse!!!

My first day is October 5th!! Im sooo excited but scared all at the same time. Any pointers with anything I can do before I start to make my life easier???

Thanks for your time!!

Laura:redbeathe:nurse:

Itshamrtym · Sep 17, 2009

Good Luck to you Laura!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Kim O'Therapy, BSN, RN · Sep 19, 2009

Good luck to everyone. I'm a new oncology nurse and like it so far. In my opinion, working with cancer patients is no different from working in other areas (ICU, Med/Surg, etc). Some patients do great and some do not do great. However, treatment protocols, research, and medications are constantly changing so you have to stay abreast of things.

starbucksnurse · Oct 10, 2009

Hi everyone, I'm new to oncology AND to top it off, I'm an LPN. I'm trying to go back to school for my RN. I'm sure I'll be visiting here quite often for advice. Congrats to all you new RNs.

My question is, How do you stay abreast with all this oncology stuff. I mean, there is so much to learn and the MD that I work for is willing to lead me by the hand. I just don't want to look like a complete fool when we go to "round table" and I have nothing to bring.

Are there any websites I can visit to start learning about the disease process, types of tx and/or medications necessary?

THanks in advance to all who advised. Thanks.

mzjennx, BSN, RN · Nov 15, 2009

hey fellow nurses. i work on a med-surg oncology floor. i graduated with my BSN in December 2008 and passed my NCLEX RN in March 2009. Got a RN job in June 2009. My manager plans to chemo certify me in Feb 2010. its been about 5 months on the job for me and its be a challenge. im learning a lot. i never expected to go into med-surg/oncology but greatful for the skills i am learning.

i will see you all around at allnurses.com

cymphilly · Jan 20, 2010

Hi Laura, Dreavt and Xj3nnerz,

I read your threads. I am so happy to you all because you all can find your dreams. For me, I am also a new grad. since May 2009. I passed my NCLEX and got my BSN. However, it is so hard for me to find a job in oncology. Would you guys give me the name of your hospitals you are working right now? I want to try to apply for them. Thanks. Also, how is your work right now after these few months? Share with us please. Thanks.

nursemoore215 · Feb 27, 2010

Congratulations to all of you for passing the dreaded NCLEX test and landing a job in Oncology. I started as a new grad a year ago on an Oncology/Palliative floor and absolutely love my job. The patient's, in my opinion, are so amazing and courageous. My unit is very small, only 16 beds, but we see many of the same people frequently for chemo or some other problem that they are having so it's very hard to not get attached to them.

I would recommend joining the Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) or at least visit their website frequently for updates on diagnosis, medications, etc. They offer chemo certification classes and for more advanced nurses, they offer OCN certification.

Good luck to you all!

Jodie

bernhaal · Jun 23, 2010

Chrissy,

How exciting:)

I am a nursing student still and am new on here as well. Once I graduate, I hope to be where you are and working on an Oncology unit. Let me know how it goes for you!

Good Luck!

-bernhaal

mzjennx, BSN, RN · Aug 23, 2010

I work in Kaiser in Hawaii.

I finally got my ONS provider but I am still waiting to get chemo trained...

Anyone going to the ONS conference in November at Orlando, Florida. Sounds so exciting and I so want to go if I can get off from work!!!

Getreal2011 · Aug 24, 2010

Hi Chrissy.

Good luck to you! This is the area that I hope to get into. I'm not sure how to add someone as a friend, but if I can find out would you mind if I add you? Would love to hear from someone who is already working in that area. :)