destria101

I agree with nextnursedani, the patients are truly different than in a typical med-surg setting. I work on a mixed unit: renal/medical/oncology and for the most part the oncology patients are more grateful, easier to talk to and get along with. It balances out all the less, um, pleasant people I have to take care of sometimes. You also build great relationships with people who come in frequently. It's never boring. I always feel rewarded even if things don't go very well. Good luck if you decide to give it a shot!

I'm a nurse with about 6 years experience and as of last year recieved my med/surg certification. I work on what is currently a mixed inpatient floor caring for med/oncology/renal patients. Since the floor is such a mix, I felt that the med-surg certification would be most appropriate for me. Recently our onc docs would like more of us to certify in oncology and are offering to pay for the cost of the test. I don't know if I should bother studing on my own time and take this certification as well, or stick with just the med/surg. I don't really feel like I have a very good grasp of oncology; I'm afraid I'll be overwhelmed, especially since a review course isn't offered in our area. But I'm also tempted to take them up on the offer. Any thoughts?