Oncology clinicals

Timora · Oct 11, 2004

This is my first semester of school, and I just found out that my first clinical will be on the oncology floor in our hospital. I am a bit worried and excited at the same time. Only excited on the fact that when I get done with school I would like to go and work in our childrens hospital. Any suggestions for a student who is completely new to the nursing profession as it is, and having their first clinical in oncology. Guess I was kinda surprised that they would put us there so soon. I am very scared :chair:

Ted · Oct 13, 2004

My wife is also in nursing school. She asked similar questions and I think has developed her own answers. First, she comes to clinical prepared for what is expected of her. Secondly, she understands that she is a student and not an "experienced RN", and tries not to psych herself out with unreasonable expectations. Thirdly, she watches, listens and learns as well as utilize what was taught her in the class room. Finally, she reminds herself of the bigger picture: That she's there for the patient.

Please understand that my loving wife is now in her third (out of four) nursing semester. It's taken the previous semesters for her to realize these "answers". In other words, simply by walking through the learning process associated with her nursing studies did she develop the confidence she now seems to possess. And her walk is truly "One Step at a Time".

I'm excited for you as you attend your first days of clinical. I think that it's normal to be anxious and even a bit scared. I guess all I can say is just be as prepared as you can for what is expected of you and simply take this process, "One Step at a Time". Eventually you will get to where you want to be: an RN!! And who knows?!?!? Maybe you'll be an RN working in oncology if that is what you want! :)

Good luck and ENJOY!!! :)

Ted

Timora · Oct 14, 2004

Thank you for those encouraging words of thought. I was beginning to think that no one wanted to respond to this post.:chuckle Tell you wife good luck for me as well. My program is 22 months and I have about 20 more to go..

renerian, BSN, RN · Oct 14, 2004

I personnaly loved the hem/onc floor and requested to go back for two more clinicals. Ended up working there. You can learn alot about yourself, life, your attitudes about death and particularly your death and what is important in life.

renerian

leslie :-D · Oct 14, 2004

oncology was by far my favorite rotation in school.

what renerian said, to a tee.

and often you will find that oncology and hospice work coexistently when prognosis is not good.

leslie

Timora · Oct 15, 2004

Tomorrow is our orintation day, and then on Wed, we are going to have a savanger hunt. Still nervous though, so everyone please wish me luck.

Ted · Oct 15, 2004

Good luck! Have fun with the "Scavanger Hunt". That sure is ONE way to learn where everything is!! :chuckle

Cheers! :)

Ted

Timora · Oct 16, 2004

lol

Good luck! Have fun with the "Scavanger Hunt". That sure is ONE way to learn where everything is!! :chuckle
Cheers! :)
Ted

newgrad2005 · Oct 20, 2004

Today was my first day at clinicals and I was assigned to the oncology floor. One of the patients up there really got to me. A 30 year-old woman who is dying from cervical cancer that spread into her pelvic cavity and wrapping around her stomach and intestines. She can't eat, even though she is hungry. The doctors gave her 1-2 weeks to live. I can't even imagine being faced with that. Normally I am pretty good at not getting emotionally attached to my patients, but this was the saddest case I have seen. I don't know how oncology nurses do it...

hobbes · Nov 7, 2004

Hang in there newgrad2005. I am also a first semester nursing student that will graduate December 2005 and my first clinical is on an oncology floor where I will be for the remainder of the semester. I originally had mixed feelings about starting clinicals on an oncology floor but I must admit that I have learned a great deal. Like you, out first day was a scavenger hunt just to get oriented to the floor and find things. The next time we went, though, I was assigned to an end-stage patient with head and neck cancer. When we first went in to his room in the morning to get his vitals he was very listless and in obvious discomfort and pain. He also had a tracheostomy so could only communicate via gesticulations which added to his frustrations. He basically refused most of the care we tried to offer and just wanted to be left alone. To make a long story short, we found out that he was in a great deal of pain and in need of his medication. After receiving his morphine, he allowed us (I was paired with a fellow student) to bath him, change his bed, change a dressing, and take his vitals. He was in a much better mood as well. At the end of the day, he gave us the "okay" symbol and smiled, so we felt that we had accomplished something that day. Unfortunately, the next time we came for clinicals, we learned that this gentleman had died just as they were about to transfer him to a hospice. It was sad to have my very first patient die, but it does get you to thinking about things and I was comforted in knowning that the care we provided him was positive.

julesres · Nov 8, 2004

Iam an Oncology nurse and have been for 11 yrs. You will be amazed at how many times you will say to yourself that you dont think it could be much worse.

What you witness in Oncology is precious, and you will find yourself seeing that everyday. Sometimes in Oncology its not the cure that matters but that you as a nurse made a difference while you could. That is a great feeling to go home with.

Julie

Today was my first day at clinicals and I was assigned to the oncology floor. One of the patients up there really got to me. A 30 year-old woman who is dying from cervical cancer that spread into her pelvic cavity and wrapping around her stomach and intestines. She can't eat, even though she is hungry. The doctors gave her 1-2 weeks to live. I can't even imagine being faced with that. Normally I am pretty good at not getting emotionally attached to my patients, but this was the saddest case I have seen. I don't know how oncology nurses do it...