are there any oncology nurses??

blondy2061h, MSN, RN · Dec 15, 2008

I'm an oncology nurse in BMT. What kind of info do you need?

lpnflorida · Dec 15, 2008

the above is a link to the oncology nurse forum. I bet there are many there who can be helpful.

k777 · Dec 15, 2008

Well, I have been on and off with my for sure plans, and I was thinking to become on RN, and then was thinking of being an oncology nurse. What type of personality do you think you would need? I know it's a weird question, but I don't want to become an oncology nurse if I didn't fit the description, if you know what I mean. A little more than 11 years ago, my mom had passed away from ovarian cancer, and I found that maybe trying to help cancer patients would be something I would love to do. However, I'm worried that if it has been a personal experience, would it be too emotionally "draining" or "difficult" for me? Sorry this is probably one of the weirdest questions, but I was curious. Thank you in advance for the help! :wink2:

k777 · Dec 15, 2008

Well, I have been on and off with my for sure plans, and I was thinking to become on RN, and then was thinking of being an oncology nurse. What type of personality do you think you would need? I know it's a weird question, but I don't want to become an oncology nurse if I didn't fit the description, if you know what I mean. A little more than 11 years ago, my mom had passed away from ovarian cancer, and I found that maybe trying to help cancer patients would be something I would love to do. However, I'm worried that if it has been a personal experience, would it be too emotionally "draining" or "difficult" for me? Sorry this is probably one of the weirdest questions, but I was curious. Thank you in advance for the help! Copy%20of%20wink.gif

lpnflorida · Dec 15, 2008

I do not work oncology. I have floated to the oncology unit only. I understand when you worry will the loss of your mother impact your care of patients in the same or simular conditions.

You truly won't know until the time comes. What I can share is the patients I have cared for who's circumstances or conditions were close to loved ones I have had. Reminded me to give the best that I had to offer them,as I would to any patient I care for. I would also have to check some of my feelings at the door so as not let my personal feelings overwhelm the objectivity I needed to do what is best for them.

I have heard it stated that nurses who have lost loved ones to cancer for instance were strongly encouraged to wait 2 years before applying to work hospice. This of course does not apply to you, only an example.

Good luck to. I am sorry for the loss of your mother.

k777 · Dec 16, 2008

Thank you so much for the advice, and I totally agree with waiting a couple years before going into that if you've had a loved one die of that, because of all the emotional situations. I want to be able to do this, because I feel like, because I've been through the same sort of things, I want to be able to help them and the families as much as I possibly can, so they don't have to go through the same thing. However, on the flip side, I tend to be sensitive, and I don't want to continually be emotional and have no idea what the correct balance is. But I also agree with you when you said you can only truely know by being involved with that, and being able to have a little bit of experience with it. What exactly did you do when you got to go there? I would be interested in trying to find somewhere where I could maybe get to know a little bit more about it, and see what would go on. So thank you, thank you, thank you again for your help!

OncologyRN23, BSN, RN · Dec 16, 2008

This is a great part of nursing to go into. If you do decide to go onto an oncology specialty unit you will start seeing alot of the same patients coming in for treatments or if they become neutropenic, so you will get to know them as well as their family. So at the end of most days you will feel rewarded having taken care of your patients.

But working on an oncology floor can also be very stressful; what with remembering basic pharmacokinetics of your everyday meds as well as the chemo meds, all while trying to bring some form of normalcy to your patients.

lpnflorida · Dec 16, 2008

k77,

I would suggest perhaps this summer when you are off school going to your local hospital. See if there is a volunteer position of some sort, it is a good way to get to know some of the areas and staff.

I remember volunteering as a candy striper when I was oh my gosh I must have been around 13-14 years of age.

k777 · Dec 17, 2008

To be an oncology nurse, you have to have a pretty good memory? I guess it is the same with any job, but sometimes remembering can be more important depending on the job. I am one of those people that love meeting new people, and building relationships with people, which is one of the reasons why I was looking into nursing. When you were talking about being able to build relationships with the patients and their families, that was somewhat of a confirmation, that maybe this is something I would want to pursue. How many years of schooling did you go for? Well, I know you need to be an RN, so would that be a step above that, or would you need to take a special class or something to be an oncology nurse?

k777 · Dec 17, 2008

Thank you so much for the advice. I haven't really volunteered anywhere, except going to the nursing home with my grandma, where she volunteers, which I really enjoyed. Of course, it is a little different than a hospital, but I think that's a really good idea, just to get a taste of what's to come! Thank you! :wink2: