oncology (cna interview)

Can't answer about pay. As to the oncology part the most difficult thing for newcomers I think would be the extremely sick patients you may have - many very young (I have had numerous patients die in their 30s, 40s, 50s). And the death. CNAs at my hospital are the ones often cleaning the patient up and wrapping the body after death. I find wrapping the body after death very morbid myself, our wraps look like trash bags.

Many of your patients will be very dependent - colostomies, urostomies, difficulty walking (either to weakness or bone mets.), and many times pts can become confused with brain mets. Lots of nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea with chemotherapy.

Good luck to you.

Hey everyone! Im really excited because I just got an interview opportunity woth a major hospital in NC! Its my 1st CNA interview since I finished my program and feel lucky to have gotten thos interview with no experience. I would be working in the oncology department and just wanted a little insight. Whats it like working in oncology? Is there anything that would be extremely difficult for a new cna? Also what is the pay like? Im assuming its a little better than in LTC. I live in NC. Any advice and info would be appreciated! :)

As the above poster said it can be very, very sad however you balance that with many happy endings as well. Just know you WILL see young people die and sadly many times pts you have known for quite sometime will pass which is very difficult. For the CNAs just understand neutropenic precautions and be compassionate :) Compassion is paramount in Oncology!!