CherGC

I'm not familiar with the Atlanta area either but I have looked into hospitals in that area and what I've seen is that most if not all the hospitals there have a new grad program. And I'm kind of bummed to hear that Emory St. Joseph's doesn't allow new grads in the oncology unit because I applied there But I think it's because a lot of people who get hired in the unit without actually having a rotation/preceptorship in oncology don't know what they're getting themselves into beforehand and can't handle the deaths and end of life care that happen which is unfortunate for applicants like you who absolutely know that oncology is where they want to go. Keep applying though! The worst they can say is no. There's always exceptions being made.

If you don't mind me asking, is there any particular reason why you're moving to Atlanta? And is Atlanta the only place you've been trying to find a job? I'm asking because I know Atlanta has a lot of new grad programs. If you look in other hospitals that don't have new grad programs then that may help, especially in states like Texas, Louisiana and Missouri. Also, are you submitting a cover letter to each hospital as well? I submit one even if they don't require it because you are able to explain more why you chose oncology as a specialty.

I think it depends on the hospital that you're applying to. I did my preceptorship in peds hem/onc and I was able to get interviews for oncology in peds and adult oncology. I definitely think that the fact that I did my preceptorship in hem/onc has helped me get interviews for that unit. So there's hope for you!

Working as a unit assistant should help a little as far as basic medical terminology goes. Like I said in the earlier post, the first six weeks are VERY intense, especially since many of us weren't used to being in school for 6-7 hours each day. During the first 6 weeks, I believe you're in school at least 3-4 days a week. Pharmacology class is usually 2 hours and held on Mondays. The other 3 days would be your nursing lecture/lab class. This is a long stretch, but I would recommend taking a few weeks off from work for the first 6 weeks, or at least for 3-4 weeks. After the first 6 weeks, you begin you clinical rotations as well as going to class twice a week. I was in the night program before they phased it out so I'm not sure if the clinical rotations for the day program are the same. But during the first semester of clinicals, you go to the hospital twice a week (probably tues and wed), every other week. The first few clinical weeks are a bit intense as well because you need to prep before clinical rotations. This includes looking up meds before clinicals (which can be a lot because some patients may have 20 different meds) and researching they're diagnosis. After clinicals are done for the week, you have to do a write up about your patient. The first few pathophysiology papers may take a few hours to do until you get the hang of it. I'm pretty sure all the first semester students went to CPMC and worked in the acute units as well as skilled nursing facilities. I did work during the program, but not until the 3rd and 4th semesters.

What type of job do you have now and are they flexible as far as hours go? I graduated from CCSF last year and it's an intense program. The first 6 weeks is an introduction to nursing and basic knowledge, as well as going to labs which will prep you for clinical rotations. During the first few weeks of school, you will be at school for at least 6 hours a day. Do you have experience in the medical field? Because that may help a little bit as far as your medical knowledge goes. Only a handful of students actually worked during the program. Hope this helps a little... let me know if you have any other questions and good luck!