INLUVINAZ

I am currently going to school, working on pre-reqs, but I am confused as to what I want to do. My brother had cancer at age 16, so I feel a calling to be a pediatric oncology nurse. But I am trying to find out for those of you working in that department, what is it like? Is it depressing? Does it affect your everyday life in a negative way? What are the normal hours you work? I worry about the hours because my husband and I are very close and don't like to be away from each other. Ideally I would like to work early morning shifts and get off in the afternoon and have weekends off. I know that may be far fetched but don't know for sure. Can someone please tell me what the hours are like? I am struggling between a nursing and teaching career. Both rewarding but I want to make the right decision. Please give me any advice you can and let me know what hours to expect if I were to work in ped oncology. Thank you so much. Jamie

I am interested in becoming an RN, specifically pediatric oncology. However I guess I am just at that point in my life where I am having doubts. I am struggling right now between pursuing a nursing career or a teaching career. What is turning me off to nursing is the hours. I would really like to be able to go places with my husband on weekends and be home in the evening with him. So I guess my question is, are those hours even possible in nursing? What turns me on to being a teacher is the hours and time off. I would never have to worry about working holidays or having time to spend with my husband. My brother had bone cancer when he was 16. He is now 25 and has lost his leg due to the cancer. I believe that is why I feel a calling. But I am scared that I will work so hard to get the degree and then not like it because the hours will be the hours I don't want. Or maybe I won't like it. I know almost everyone struggles in life with figuring out what they want to do. I have about 6 months to figure out which direction I want to go. Really, I would appreciate if any oncology nurses could tell me how they feel about their job. For example, if it is depressing seeing children die.....to a point that it affects their lives in a negative way. Also if anyone can give me information about nursing hours available I would greatly appreciate it. Any advice you can give would help. I am so confused on what is more important in life, having time off to spend with your family, or pursuing something you feel you may be great at. I think I would like teaching as well and I would still be making a difference in the life of a child. I am just so confused, please help! Jamie