Oncology/Neurology

Trjl · Mar 22, 2015

Although I have not specifically worked neuro-oncology, I do know that you will mainly be working with brain tumor patients. Or patients who have had some CNS involvement. I would imagine that this will be a challenging unit. Many pts will have mobility issues that you will have to help, or even cognitive issues and may have a hard time communicating with some.

I would bone up on these types if cancers before you start to work, just so you are familiar with what is exactly going on with your pts. Since I am not familiar with your hospital, I do not know whether your pts will be actively treated while in your care either. Most chemos do not pass into the brain, but some CNS involved cancers can get chemo directly into the spinal fluid via an omaya reservoir. Many of your pts will either be getting, or may have had radiation to the brain. And of course, possibly some actual post surgical pts after brain surgery.

Best of luck. Hope you like your unit and the staff all work well together.

SE_BSN_RN, BSN · Mar 24, 2015

Thanks! Your info helps. I do know they'll be getting chemo and I'll need to be chemo certified after a year. Other than that, I don't know much yet about the unit. I have to take some hospital provided classes and get 6 weeks on the floor orientation. The rest I'll find out about next week.