peds hematology/oncology career

[Biglos94]

Hello fellow nurses,

I have been a nurse for 8 years and I have worked in pediatrics for 7 of those years. I have worked only in a pediatric private office. the career I want to embark upon is pediatric hematology/oncology; however, I do know what to do to get to that career path. Im wondering if i should go back to the hospital as i have worked med/surg for about 6 months and work in peds at the hospital or try to get to the floor. Please if someone could give me advice if you already work in that department or just how to get to this goal of mine. thanks

[ShantheRN, BSN, RN]

Acute care experience in a hospital is a huge advantage. Your years in peds are great, too - you know how to relate to kids and their families. One of the unique things about peds hem/onc is you take care of these kids for a long time. For one of the most common leukemias, the first phase of treatment is a full month - and that's assuming there are no complications, such as infection, adverse side effects, etc. It's a whole other animal. Have you shadowed on a unit yet? I would try to do that. Being a peds hem/onc nurse is an awesome thing, but it can break your heart to pieces. You have to figure out if you can handle that part. Between being a PCA and RN, I've been on my unit for 5 years. I love it....but I also keep a healthy relationship with my position. I've seen people burn out super fast because they get too involved with families. I love those kiddos, but once I clock out.....I can't take it home with me.

This makes is sound terrible lol But it really isn't! It's so rewarding. I'll be happy to answer any specific questions you may have.

[jrt4]

I would suggest working on an inpatient peds floor that cares for hem/onc patients. If your end goal is to work in a peds hem/onc clinic, they are going to want that background of giving inpatient chemo most likely. Chemo is also given in many offices depending on what kind of drugs are being given. Many inpatient units at non-children's hospitals administer chemo and take care of other illnesses. Depending on your location it may be difficult breaking into inpatient pediatrics as positions are limited in many areas. Good luck!

[Biglos94]

Wow!! thank you shantheRN!!! I totally understand when you say when you clock out you don't take it home!! I learned that a long time ago!! I haven't shadowed anyone yet, where I live the closest hospital that has this type of unit is about a hour and 1/2 to get there. But maybe I could speak with someone at the hospital and set that up. I know there are a lot of dynamics when it comes to pediatric hematology/oncology, but with nice people like yourself offering informative information i will be able to get something moving to see if thats what i want to continue to try to pursue!! thanks again

[lorichka6]

I would definitely also suggest shadowing for a few days if possible if you are thinking inpatient vs clinic. Hem/onc nursing can be VERY busy - with lots of prioritization, problem solving, quick thinking, etc. When the kiddos come in with fevers/neutropenia they can get very sick, very quick and the pace of caring for them as they start spiraling is very stressful. You are timing blood products, IV abx, fluids, labs, etc. Just like anything with time and experience the care needed for these kiddos will become routine for you but when you first start the "routine" of hanging blood products, accessing ports, drawing lysis labs, monitoring pre-hydration fluid changes, chemo, etc is pretty overwhelming. Just a warning that it will be closer to an ICU step down than an outpatient office setting :) So make sure that is what you want!