New Oncology Nurse!

iNurseUK, RN · Aug 25, 2010

I've been in Oncology for just over a year after working in various other settings for much of my career.

I love it but it can be challenging work. There's a steep learning curve with all the chemo drugs and the policies and procedures that go with giving them. I don't know if this is the case in the US but in the UK a special Chemotherapy course has to be taken and passed before you are allowed to handle chemo agents.

There is also the sad but inevitable fact that you are going to lose some patients. It took a while for me to adjust from the mindset I'd acquired from years in surgery which always had a curative intent.

I think oncology is one of the most consistently challenging, interesting and satisfying areas of nursing to work in. There's nothing like seeing a patient grin from ear to ear when the doctor tells them the scans are clear.

Congratulations in finding a job in this speciality and I wish you the best of luck with a long and happy career.

JamieLeeRN · Aug 26, 2010

Congrats to everyone for passing their boards, and welcome to field of Oncology Nursing! I have been an Oncology nurse since I graduated, it has now been two and a half years give or take that I have been working with Oncology patients, and it was always my dream to do so. I wish everyone luck. My advice for anyone who is going to be working in this field, is to be prepared, because it is a gift to spend time with these patients, their outlook on life is inspiring in a way that you don't have the privelage of experiencing. Also, know your limits. You are going to have bad days, and weeks at work, and find out what you need to do to cope. I had a bad week a couple months ago, and the way I cope, is by going home after my week of work is done, filling a hot bath, making dinner, and drinking some wine, and I usually spend my alone time crying and regrouping, and reminding myself of the greater purpose for me being where I am. There is no shame in crying if it what you need to do, however I would recommend to avoid doing it while at work, and if you cannot avoid it at work, go in a bathroom and try to pull it together until your shift is over. Good luck to everyone, and I hope you all end up loving this specialty as much as I do!