New Grad wants to be an Oncology RN

Specialties Oncology

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sziq1

40 Posts

I was just accepted to a med/surg/tele oncology floor. It's a 42 bed unit among a 300 bed hospital in AZ. I figgered I could get in the med/surg stuff along w/ onc -- the pay is sweet, too. Thanks for everyone's support.

ok so it has been a few months since you started on the oncology floor, tell us that graduate in dec. what you think! Is it what you had expected?

I really like our local outpt chemo unit so I am hoping to start on the oncology floor and get my chemo and onc cert. to begin with and then eventually move to the chemo unit.

Do you like what you are doing? I can apply for the job in 2 weeks so I am hoping to get an interview/job soon!

Nurse Mama

3 Posts

Specializes in Hospice.

I am currently an LPN, graduating with my RN in May 2009. I have always wanted to work in oncology...it is my heart's desire. It looks like new grads might not be the first pick to get jobs on the oncology floor, though. Does anyone have suggestions on where might be a good place to begin with oncology being the eventual goal?

Thank you!!

ok so it has been a few months since you started on the oncology floor, tell us that graduate in dec. what you think! Is it what you had expected?

I really like our local outpt chemo unit so I am hoping to start on the oncology floor and get my chemo and onc cert. to begin with and then eventually move to the chemo unit.

Do you like what you are doing? I can apply for the job in 2 weeks so I am hoping to get an interview/job soon!

Well, actually I just started orientation at the beginning of this week. As it turns out, my floor is VERY oncology-related (THANK GOODNESS!). I was hired by phone and the Nurse Manager (Interim) told me it was a hodge-podge of stuff: med/surg/tele/onc. I'll keep ya posted, but so far so good.

Specializes in ICU/CICU.

I am currently in nursing school trying to focus on Oncology. I graduate 2010.

I am extremely motivated to get into oncology as soon as i graduate (plan to do my senior practicum in oncology) and was wondering if anyone had any suggestions on specific things to do outside of actual school that would benefit me and my chances in getting into oncology.

I have previously cared for a loved one with leukemia (1.5 years) and walked for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Other than that and working in an ICU for 9mos as a CNA II I have no other experience.

Suggestions?

sziq1

40 Posts

So I got an interview on the oncology floor that I want to work on this Friday!!!

Wish me luck!!!:yelclap:

dani_girl

124 Posts

If possible see if you can do your management rotation on a oncology floor.. but honestly alot of hospitals will take you fresh out of the gate..

My hospital today (just started this week) talked to all of us new orienters that they like taking new grads into the specialties because they can "grow us" how they want.. and that we have a quick learning curve.. so good luck..

as for extra.. see if you could work as a CNA/PCT on an oncology floor before graduation.. or ask your HR dept (where you want to work) what you should do.. she can tell you.. do it early before your entire class (and that of the schools near you) start flooding her door for info.

good luck

sziq1

40 Posts

Well I got it! I interviewed friday with hr and tuesday with the onc floor manager and got an offer friday afternoon!!! I am super excited! Now even more pressure to graduate and pass boards!

dani_girl

124 Posts

:ancong!: You will do great!!!

sziq1

40 Posts

Well I did it, I got a job on the oncology unit that I have been looking at for a year now! it was pretty easy, I had an interview on a friday with HR and another on the following tuesday with the floor manager and got an offer that next friday! Start date jan 19th! woohoo!!!

chessie9

2 Posts

I'm transitioning from psychiatry to oncology, which seems to be considered in acute care circles as equivalent to new grad status. In the interviews I've gone on, the recruiter often said, "You don't have acute experience." I pointed out that I work daily with unpredictable, very acute, psychiatric in-patients. There is a lot of cross-cultural communication, together with medical and psychosocial management, and managing psychiatric and the occasional medical emergencies. This population is not able to receive insured services and consequently is not medically well. It turns out, this patient population fills most of these hospitals' beds. To my job offers, I got responses ranging from outright rejection to "You can go into our new grad program starting in February 2009", to a place that offered me a "sink or swim" orientation of 3 weeks on night shift, to an oncology day shift position that sounds great. Needless to say, I took the oncology job. They're giving me an "extended orientation" with a single, dedicated preceptor for up to 12 weeks starting next month.

If you've read this far, and you're an Oncology Nurse, maybe you could recommend an Oncology Nursing book to read? I have a lot to remind myself about from nursing school - graduated in 2001. Also, what do I bring to the first clinical day besides my scrubs, nametag and stethoscope?

Thanks for reading this far. I'll hope for some posts.

Katie91

79 Posts

Specializes in Med/Surg, ID, Oncology, Ortho.
If you've read this far, and you're an Oncology Nurse, maybe you could recommend an Oncology Nursing book to read? I have a lot to remind myself about from nursing school - graduated in 2001. Also, what do I bring to the first clinical day besides my scrubs, nametag and stethoscope?

Thanks for reading this far. I'll hope for some posts.

Hi chessie9,

I believe that your psych experience will be extremely beneficial to your new position. Cancer pts need a lot of care, patience and understanding. :redbeathe

As far as recommending a book to read, look to your psych texts and focus on the more spiritual needs of your pts, if you're comfortable with that. Check your hospital's policy and procedures about praying with your pt's. Some facilities are dead-set against it and I don't want you to get in trouble!!

Also, look for a good chemo drug book. You may want to look at the American Cancer Society web site. There's a TON of info on it for pts and medical personnel.

As far as what to bring to work, yes, you listed the basics,

but never leave your heart at home!!

:loveya:

chessie9

2 Posts

Thanks for the tips for starting my oncology job. Yes, I'll definitely bring my heart! I'm really hoping my psych experience will help. I am still worried about how I'll adjust. I will need to do end-of-life care, and that is going to be very different.

I don't know about going so far as to pray with anyone, though. I will certainly encourage my patients to use, and help them obtain, whatever spiritual resources they want. I will have to think about it, but right now I cannot see myself participating. Regardless of hospital policy. I'm sure nurses have differing views on this issue.

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