Shel H.

Thank you so much for replying, and thank you for congratulating me! I honestly have not heard many people dislike oncology. Understandably, there will be somber moments and cases where cancer diagnosis will be terminal/incurable. However, it is apart of healthcare just as someone who was completely stable at the beginning of a shift, rapidly declines, and code. Our field is so unpredictable! This would be a huge part in where my personal faith and spiritual beliefs will help me during such a challenging time. Depending on how Monday goes for me, I've already told myself I was going to study the terms, conversations and approach of patient encounter during the shadow experience with my potential employer and take notes along the way. Additionally, I also planned on investing in the essentials in advance practice cancer care bundle with ONS and any other resources available. I understand having a foundational base is all that is truly necessary to get me "over the hump" but, as time and experience will be the teacher for building competency and to grow into an expert level. I'm sure I'll be learning something new every single day even when I "thought" I knew enough. I can only pray I'll be supported in this new journey by my peers vs viewed as a nuisance. I will be sure to let you know how it goes...? Please be on the lookout for me on Monday afternoon with an update! TTYL

Congratulations on passing the AOCNP! I am a new grad FNP, I've passed the ANCC, and is currently in the interview process for an Oncology Office NP position. My background covers a variety of specialties, but oncology is not one of them. However, I am inclined to this specialty because my mother and grandfather are cancer survivors, and this specialty requires so much advocacy and compassion, which I believe I will succeed and thrive in. I'm just a bit nervous because I don't know anything have the basic knowledge or exposure to oncology and I don't want to feel incompetent or have imposter syndrome. I don't want to sink.... but I know once I get a good footing on the foundational information, I will build on this and eventually soar in this specialty like anything else we've faced as nurses. Any advice? Thank you in advance!