Oncology NP

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Specializes in Med/surg and Oncology.

I have been working as a RN in an out patient Cancer Center for 4 years. I recently got my OCN certification. I am planning on returning to school part time to become a NP. I currently have my associates so my first step is my BSN. I hope to work at the Cancer Center as a NP. I wondered if anyone has any experience or advise about working in a Cancer Center as a NP. Thanks

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Specializes in GYN-ONC, MED/ONC, HEM/ONC.

Hi there.

I had been working as an Oncology NP for 9 months...and prior to that worked as an Oncology RN for 3 + years. I left my ONC NP job as I was very unhappy, and also due to family illness. My advice to you would be be very careful where you start/choose wisely. I accepted the first position that was offered to me at a private oncology practice, and it started out great but I ended up very unhappy. I was asked to do a lot of stuff that was over my head for a new Onc NP. Despite that, the role is really great. You really get close to the patients, and they rely on you so much, you can really make a difference in their lives, in a way that the doctors simply do not have the time to do (or aren't willing to do). I went back to working per diem at my RN job, and have been looking for a new job for about 6 months, have interviewed at multiple places, and now I am being VERY selective, and have actually turned down some offers. It is really important to find a kind and supportive group of folks to work for (and with). I have an offer right now on the table that I think I am going to accept, it is only part time, but the people are kind, genuine, and really care about the patients. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask. I'm an open book. Best,

littlered:D

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Specializes in Med/surg and Oncology.

Thanks so much for the in-put. I love what I'm doing right now but feel like I could do more. I really trust my nurse manager and feel he would be honest with me. I could see our one doctor being difficult to work with, but she will probably have retired by then. I have a long road to go and I still have babies, so I'm taking my time with school. I feel as though if I don't start now, I never will. Thanks so much for being honest, I might have more questions in the future.

Me5115

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Specializes in GYN-ONC, MED/ONC, HEM/ONC.

Just curious, what part of the country do you live in?

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Specializes in Med/surg and Oncology.

Warren, PA Its really rural. We mostly send pts to Pitts. for second opinions.

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Dear Me5150 and littler,

I read your threads here. I am a new grad. BSN. However, I am interested in oncology and want to be a oncology NP. But due to the economy, i can't find a job in this area. Would you two give me some advices whether it is good for me to continue my master degree in oncology without any clinical experience? English is not my native languages too. will it be very difficult for me to work in the oncology floors if my English is not so good? Thanks for all your ideas and suggestions.

:redpinkhe

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Specializes in Med/surg and Oncology.

I think all new grads should work atleast 1-2 years med/surg. It brings everything together that you learned in school. The hospital I work at requires med/surg experience to work oncology. There is always the option to do both, thats my plan, work part-time while I'm going to school.

Good Luuck ME5115

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Specializes in GYN-ONC, MED/ONC, HEM/ONC.

I think that some med/surg is helpful but not paramount. I think that you get exposure to a lot of med/surg issues when working in oncology (people have issues despite their cancer, or as a result of their cancer) such as ARF related to ureters being blocked by huge ovarian tumor, respiratory failure r/t PE (increased risk of clots with cancer)etc. You get exposure to so much in ONC and it is a good training ground as an RN or NP.

littlered

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