Pediatric Oncology Nursing-the good, bad, ugly, and encouraging

Specialties Oncology

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​Hi everyone! I'm going into my senior year of high school, and I want to be a nurse. I know many people typically think that it's just a cool idea and that someone doesn't know what nursing fully involves, but I assure you this is not me. For the last several years I have felt this calling, and I have extensively researched the profession. I know without a shadow of a doubt that this is what I want to do with my life. My main goal in writing this is to learn more about pediatric oncology nursing! I know that it is difficult yet rewarding. I know that it is a specialty that involves close contact and care of not only the patient, but also loved ones and family. Pediatric hem/onc nursing seems like something that I would love to do. I'm truly passionate about nursing, and I'm slowly become just as passionate about the idea of ped hem/onc.

I would really love to hear from some nurses with experience in this area! What is your job truly like? All the descriptions are the same, and that's not really what I'm asking about. My desire is to hear how this field of nursing influences your life and what a day of work is like for you. Do you enjoy your job, and would you encourage someone else to work in the same field? I would love to get in touch with some of y'all to discuss your work!!

Thanks!!

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I am a newly certified pedi chemo provider. I was selected to get certified without ever even seeing a cancer patient before. So I did it...

Good: these children are sooooo strong and beautiful that It's motivating and magical to talk and sometimes laugh with them. Some families are so bonded and it's almost unreal how they overcome/deal with the burdens and pain of the disease. It makes you appreciate life and health.

Cons: it's horrible to see the suffering. Cancer is sooooo bad to the body as well as chemo side effects. The babies are so innocent and its difficult for me (a spiritual, strong person) to process. I take it home with me I worry about my children. When I read cases (most) where Cancer just came out of nowhere and wreaked havoc on the poor child's body overnight...it scares the crap out of me! I've had nightmares about my children being ill. The family can be difficult to deal with as they watch the nurses like a hawk. They are hospitalized so frequently that they know the drill better than the nurses. Also, they are under a lot of stress, so rudeness and frustration is often an issue.

It takes a truly special person and I'm still trying to decide if I am one.

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Don't let me discourage you. I just gave you my opinion/experience. Good luck.

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Oh you aren't discouraging me at all! I want to know every aspect of it, so the negatives are welcome too! It's good to know those kinds of things that you really don't think about until you're in that job position! Thank you so much for sharing!

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It truly is a very rewarding specialty. I was a peds hem/onc and stem cell transplant nurse for almost 4 years and I loved every minute of it. The bond you develop with your patients and their families is so special. The resilience of children is amazing. I enjoyed making the children laugh and playing games with them.

The hard part is when you have developed such a special bond and have to say goodbye when they gain their angel wings.

As a new, young nurse, it may be a difficult specialty to begin with.

Good luck in your choice!

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