Interested in oncology nursing

beckymcrn · Jan 30, 2001

Hello Candice

You want to be an oncology nurse? There are many avenues in this catagory to choose from I work in a hospital setting, there are office jobs, research jobs etc...

I can only speak from where I am. I love my what I do. The job is sometimes great sometimes sad, and sometimes down right depressing. I feel this area of nursing is definately a calling. A nurse who works in this area needs to be compassionate, knowledgeable and empathetic. The knowledge comes with school and experience. The compassion and empathy have to be a part of your life. These patients come in scared to death. They are searching for hope. Most of them embrace their nurses. But there are those who stay in the anger and denial until the end. You have to be strong when your every part of your being is crying inside as these pts whom you have cared for from first diagnosis to chemo and radiation and all its side effects finally close their eyes for the last time.

I hope I did not scare you away because we need good compassionate nurses. If you feel in your heart this is where you want to be you will be great. Just continue your learning and never forget compassion.

Becky

andrea_s · Apr 16, 2001

Hi...

I'm also considering a career in oncology nursing. What's the best way to pursue this? Start in med/surg? Start in oncology? Oncology rehab? I'd appreciated any advice on suggested career paths.

Thanks.

Andrea

jxnlady30 · Apr 27, 2001

Hi Candace,

Oncology nursing has it's days when you feel on top of the world, and other days when you feel that the world is sitting on your shoulders. I chose oncology nursing when I graduated nursing school last year. It has been the best learning experience of my life. I have grown so much as a person and taking care of these people has taught me more about living than it could ever teach me about dying. They need special spirits to work with them and if you do it, I can promise that you will be so glad you did. Best of luck!!

Kasondra

Originally posted by beckymcrn:
Hello Candice
You want to be an oncology nurse? There are many avenues in this catagory to choose from I work in a hospital setting, there are office jobs, research jobs etc...
I can only speak from where I am. I love my what I do. The job is sometimes great sometimes sad, and sometimes down right depressing. I feel this area of nursing is definately a calling. A nurse who works in this area needs to be compassionate, knowledgeable and empathetic. The knowledge comes with school and experience. The compassion and empathy have to be a part of your life. These patients come in scared to death. They are searching for hope. Most of them embrace their nurses. But there are those who stay in the anger and denial until the end. You have to be strong when your every part of your being is crying inside as these pts whom you have cared for from first diagnosis to chemo and radiation and all its side effects finally close their eyes for the last time.
I hope I did not scare you away because we need good compassionate nurses. If you feel in your heart this is where you want to be you will be great. Just continue your learning and never forget compassion.
Becky

Sue D · Apr 27, 2001

There are quite a few oncology sub-specialities. I work in plastics which seems irrelevant but we do a lot of reconstructive work following mutilating oncology surgery.

These are very rewarding patients to work with and getting a good result is great for both patients and staff. Go for it