gnoncology

Well, In response to the other posts of people wondering how did ya know this was the place for you??? I just knew it was either oncology or hospice. I am now on the floor for 3 1/2 weeks up to 4 pts now... Doing blood draws from port a cath's, I have the flushing down to a science now and I just accessed my very first port a cath today..... :). I just love the patients and I love being on the floor. Once you get the routine down you will be fine. I was not sure at first if I was gonna be able to handle it all but now that I know my way around things it is great. Best of luck to everyone else who is starting. I think once you get the hang of it you too, will love it!!!!!!! In the next several weeks the new GN's are going to get Chemo certified, so I know that we will once again have the deer in the headlight look. Please keep in touch with us. Let us know how you are all doing. I am getting nervous since I am taking state boards in 3 weeks. I will let you all know how I do!!!!! Hugs to you all, we really did pick a great area of nursing.....

Where do ya live melissa??? In pa??? Good luck with everything pls keep in touch!!!! Jenn

I was wondering if anyone can help me with the feeling of being overwhelmed. I recently graduated and started as a GN on the oncology floor. Just to let you know I knew this was going to be my place in nursing the minute I stepped into nursing school. However, we never got a change to do a clinical rotation on an oncology floor which really bummed me out. So now.... I have been on the floor a week and a half and I feel at times as though everything I learned is school has just "flown out the window", so much to learn and it is such a fast paced floor. So many different kinds of chemo and the organization with the meds and making sure everything is done just right!!! Working with the triple lumen's.. I just feel so overwhelmed. How to flush them when to use NS and when to use heparin!!!!!! My goodness!!!!! They said that orientation will last about 6 weeks and then I will be moved to my shift. Is that truly enough time????? Any comments or feedback is welcomed... Thanks so much One overwhelmed GN Jenn

Boy, was I happy to see a few new GN's that are starting on Oncology too. I am working in Scranton Pa, and just graduated last month. I too am planning on taking state boards if my authorization to test ever comes... I have started on the floor and I look like a "deer in headlights" all the time. So much to learn and it is for sure a fast pace moving floor. I would love to keep in touch with you both and see how it is going for the both of you. Let me know how you are both coping with everything you have to learn. Jenn:yeah: