MsGolightlyRN

As a former cancer patient, and now a new oncology RN (8months out of school) on an inpatient heme/onc floor, I have a special place in my heart for all things onc! However, I am finding inpatient care very difficult. I think it's a difficult place to be for anyone; but as a former patient, I get really emotionally drained from seeing people die every week. I love my patients and families, and teaching them all about their disease and especially about their treatment. I love this aspect of nursing. I literally just started trying to look into other options, and all of a sudden my oncologist has told me that his team is looking for a clinical research nurse at the outpt. clinic where I was treated and he basically offered me the job. What perfect timing! After looking into it a bit, I think it's something I would love! I work with a lot of research protocols now, especially with my BMT patients, so I am not totally new to research, but I just want to know if there are other onc CRN's out there that can tell me: what is the job is really like!?! Thanks in advance! :redpinkhe

I responded earlier today but it looks like maybe it didn't go through... Anyway, thanks for your replies! That does sound like a lot of work but in reality, I am planning to get my masters anyway and am pretty confident I can pass the Comm/Lit exam. Another question: Is there a certain master degree that is necessary? Thanks again!

Thanks for all your replies :) I am so glad I am not the only one to feel this way. I was thinking of trying something in education or maybe school nursing, I am worried about the pay cut though. I don't need a ton of money, but I need to be able to pay my bills And Vamedic, there is no way to really change my schedule as of now, it's all based on seniority and its just really discouraging to know I won't have any seniority for a long time. I guess I dug my grave when I accepted the "rotating" part of the job description haha. And Christie I understand what you mean too, going through all that education (and loans) to not really like where you are in the end! It's so tough. I just don't know where to start in looking for another job, it seems I'm going to have to stick it out for another year before anyone will hire me! Also, have any of you heard anything about being a certified health education specialist?

Hi Nurses! I am interested in exploring other aspects of nursing. I am a new nurse (less than a year out of school) work in adult inpatient oncology in Boston but the intensity/commute/schedule are killing me. I am planning on staying for a while longer to at least get that "1 or 2 years experience" needed to go elsewhere. I admit I don't know much about school nursing but I get a "good feeling" about it. I originally wanted to work in pediatrics and I am planning on shadowing a school nurse to really get a good idea about whether or not school nursing is something I'd like to work towards. I wanted to know though: what do you have to do to be a MA school nurse? are there certain certifications? I have my BSN, BLS and a few other certifications regarding caring for onc pt.s but I have heard MA school nurses need other things as well. Let me know if you can...thanks! :redpinkhe

Thanks for your replies! I am definitely going to stick it out for at least a little while. I just think I need something to work towards. I am looking into part time positions or volunteer opportunities to maybe do on my "off-days" to see what I really like/want to do. Teaching is appealing to me, but I know I won't be taken seriously without some experience. Maybe I can teach first-year nursing students or something while I stick it out at my current position for a few years. I just know I can't keep this up for too long. I'm already beat and it hasn't even been a year! : /

I just posted in a different forum area but i really need some good varying opinions. I am a new heme/onc nurse (graduated this past may w/my BSN) I have been working at a major Boston hospital and it's going really well; however, I really hate the nursing lifestyle!! In addition to being mentally & physically &emotionally exhausted from the job itself, i feel it's being made 100 times worse from having such an erratic schedule and being exhausted all of the time (36 hr rotating to all shifts). I know I have to wait to get seniority to be able to have a real say in these things. I really don't think I can wait until then! I am wondering what other nursing careers I can work towards. I would like to stay in onc and perhaps teach (?) I just don't know what is out there and how to explore my options. help

Hello Nurses and others! I need some advice I am a new RN as of about 6 months now. After graduating with my BSN, I got a job right away on an oncology unit at a major hospital in Boston. I make great money, it's great experience and my peers are very supportive. I realize I am very lucky; however, I have really realized in the past few months that I HATE the nursing lifestyle! I am mentally and physically exhausted all the time from working such an erratic schedule (36hr rotating to all shifts). I have developed serious anxiety issues from being stretched thin from the job itself as well as losing almost all of my non-nursing friends because they don't understand why I am too tired all the time to go out to bars etc. I knew coming to this that "it's temporary" and that seniority rules at my hospital; however, judging by my colleagues' # of years on the job, I won't have any "seniority" for at least 6 or 7 years. I don't think I can wait that long to be able to gain some schedule regularity and be able to take vacation time when I want (not after everyone else has picked their time!). And I really miss my friends on the weekend! I never thought I'd envy my friends with 9 to 5's!! I am wondering what else I can do with my nursing degree. I am interested in maybe a nurse educator position or something but not sure how to go about it. I am afraid no one will hire me without more experience, I mean, I am only 23 and have only had this one job. PLEASE give me some advice on different roads to pursue. I would really appreciate it :)