Pediatric Hematology/Oncology

[cocochelle]

Dear Fellow Nurses,

Hi there! I was wondering if any of you work in a Pediatric Hematology/Oncology unit. I am considering applying for a new graduate RN position at the Children's Hospital where I live. I would just like some insight on what I would expect if I did end up working in this type of unit. Perhaps someone could give me a rundown of a typical day's work or possibly compare it to a regular med-surg floor. I am currently working on an IMCU/Trauma unit. I find it extremely fast paced and stressful. I just want to know I am making the right decision in applying. I love peds and it is the main reason I took up nursing, but I don't want to apply for a job and end up leaving it later when I am surprised by what the job entails. Any help would be appreciated.

[pierce27rn]

I work on mixed unit,(step down, renal, and alot of hem/onc) 7p-8a, you are giving chemo, blood, antibiotics, pain control, spinal taps, bone marrow aspiration, conscious sedation, central lines and etc. You get attached to the kids and there families because some of them are admited alot for different things. They do try to do a lot outpatient so everyone can be home. Sometimes you are very busy doing all that needs to be done and sometimes you wish you were, because there's nothing left to be done and you just sit and wait. Do it , it sounds like you are used to working hard and you love kids the rest will come . You'll never know until you try. Good Luck