New to stem cell transplant, slightly overwhelmed!!

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Specializes in Trauma, Education.

Hi everyone,

I just graduated/passed my boards and started working on a stem cell transplant floor. I wanted to do oncology all through school and loved my clinical rotation, but I have to say, school did nothing to prepare me for this!!

I am feeling slightly overwhelmed with all of the new vocabulary. I am very excited, but intimidated and I want to make sure the intimidation doesn't outweigh my drive and excitement and push me down or discourage me too much.

Here's my question. Can anyone direct me to some good sights online (or in the library) to learn more about the process, SCT, GVHD, ANC, etc. I have found a few, but I'm wondering if there are any really good direct, straight to the point information out there that anyone knows of. My intimidation comes from my knowledge deficit and I feel once I can overcome that, I can do this. It's just a matter of over coming it first!! They gave me a list of 75 commonly used meds, so I'm pouring over that too.

Also, my preceptor is nice, but moves very quickly. I understand she is in a hurry, but I need to know what she's doing and why!! Especially when it is new equipment she is showing me or things like that. I want to be nice, but I need to learn, and darnit, that's what she's getting paid to do, so how do I get her to slow down without having her think I'm a moron (I've asked her a few times, but it still isn't happening!)??!!

Any suggestions are welcomed-thank you!!

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Hey Rbs!!!

I gotta tell you, as an ICU nurse of 26yrs now--with level 1 trauma center background and the whole ball-a-wax, your line of work knocks me out!!!

I did a bit of Peds ICU. Heck, I thought, what kinda nursing career would it be if you never ever took care of kids? OK? And they trained me to do the BoneMarrowTransplant business. I was horrified!!! The huge needle-aspiration. The killer doses of chemo. The IV infusion of the preserved marrow. And where are you if it doesn't work out?

I said NO THANKS in a big way. Was happy to get back to my 'train-wrecks' and leave you Onco-Nurses with your job.

You have all my heart's worth of respect.

And thank GOD you never had my children or their children to work your magic on!!!

Papaw John

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Specializes in Trauma, Education.

Thanks for your reply....I think!?

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Specializes in oncology.

rbs105

Good morning, I work on a BMT unit and you are right some of the terminology you see there is unique. Everything is fairly standardized though and once you get the hang of it, it will be second nature to you, just hang in there. On our unit there is just one group of doc.s doing transplants so you also get used to what their protocals are and when they like to be called (is there one group of docs in your area?).

Can you gently ask the nurse in charge of your education for a preceptor that is a little more teaching oriented without your preceptor knowing that you need a change? It is very important that you have a preceptor that is good at educating you at this point in your BMT career.

warmly

oncnrs914

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Specializes in med-surg; peds; case management.

Try http://www2.mc.duke.edu/9200bmt/QuickReference.htm for some basics, keeping in mind that each facility's practices are a bit different.

Good luck!

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