Please HELP! Any seasoned Oncology nurses? New Grad

[MissRn09]

I will be graduating on May 16, 2009 and had my first interview on yesterday. Was totally blown away and want to work for this company. I've worked in numerous hospitals since I was 18 and have a good idea of what a great company is. Here's the problem: I start graduate school in the Fall & have been told that I should get some ER experience. I've NEVER had a rotation in the ER nor worked in one. This particular hospital has the second busiest/biggest ER in the state of Louisiana next to charity in New Orleans. Their is NO WAY I'm going down there without some experience!!

The unit I fell in love with is the Oncology unit after viewing and talking to nurses yesterday. I have NEVER even thought about oncology. Truthfully, never thought about anything other than med/surg & ICU & didn't have that written in stone b/c I know graduate school has their own "recommendations". It's 33 beds on the unit. I went into this profession to make a difference and help people. I have a tendency to be emotional but not a basket case. I feel this patient population would be very very appreciative and I would get the fulfillment I desire. Is this a good place to start out? I love a challenge and learning new things. What can I expect if I take this position? What are some words of wisdom & opinions? HELLLP!! I'm loosing sleep over this!

P.S. oncmsnnurse...reply if you out there!!

[civey1956]

You remind me of "me" about 30 years ago. I had a similar dilemma and the only job that was offered was in Oncology. I hadn't thought about working in that field--I had misconceptions that it would be all down, depressed, and crying. But, I thought about it a little and decided that I could "accept" working there for a year and then move on to what I wanted (which I now don't remember). Anyway, within 1 week of working I fell in love with Oncology nursing and I have found it fulfilling is so many ways in the 30 years since. You are correct, the patients are much more fun and open than anyone could have imagined; you get to know them; their families and pets and more, so there is an emotional connection and you will be able to build on that as they come back time after time for one thing or another. And it will sting a little when one of them loses their battle but you can look back on all of that time you spent with them and be proud that you made a difference many times, including at the end. I still run into family members in the store who I haven't seen in years and they remember me and they still feel like old friends and help remind me why I have stayed in Oncology for such a long time. Another benefit is that, in general, Oncology nurses are more nurturing and more fun to work with. They will try to help you learn as much as you want to know--it is a sisterhood of sorts--or at least that is what I have usually found. There is enough challenge, information, courses, specialty toys like infusion ports and lines, etc. so that there is always something to keep you interested and in the game since there are about 100 types of cancer. Anyway, I say go for it and enjoy yourself. And promise yourself to keep learning. I hope you will stay in Oncology and take my place! And, don't go to Charity in New Orleans alone at anytime. I know a bunch of nurses from there. It is a great place to learn but it is in a very scary and challenging section of town.

[BBQvegan]

Congrats on your upcoming graduation. Mine will take place the same day! I am moving to New Orleans as an oncology RN. I am curious what grad program you are getting into. From my knowledge, CRNA school is the only one that requires ICU or ER experience. It seems any field of nursing experience would be useful for a NP or CNS degree. I agree with the above poster. Last summer I worked as a nurse extern on an oncology unit and I loved it. The patients are wonderful and the nurses are too. The patho of oncology is fascinating to me. I can't think of any other area where I would like to work! Good luck to you.