LisaFis

I am interested in thoughts from experienced onco/infusion nurses. I am considering a job in outpatient oncology and infusion nursing. This type of nursing would be new to me and totally different from my experiences so far as a nurse. I have been primarily med-surg and ICU for several years. I am nervous about trying something new but also very excited. Anything major to be aware of when considering this specialty; i.e pitfalls, things to be clarified in an interview, general "heads-up" points and the positives? I am excited and focused mostly on the perceived positives. I just want to make sure I considering everything that I can in making a good decision. Thanks!!

Hi dance4life, I really want to hear more about your experience and the agency nursing that you are doing. I am just over 1 year in the profession and I am really struggling to find "my place". I am starting to wonder if such a place exists. I graduated into a terrible job market and took my current position to get my foot in the door. I am part time nights; not so great. I am just down in general. I had such high hopes of being fulfilled by this profession. I thought long and very hard about going to nursing school. I loved school and clinicals, but the real deal just feels so different. I haven't put my finger on it yet. Feeling lost... Thanks for posting. LF

I am a new RN also and haven't found that trusted coworker. I am constantly thinking about what I don't know, what I haven't seen and will I be able to handle it when it happens to MY patient. I hate when I ask other newer RNs (2-3 years ICU) how they felt when they started; trying to gauge my own feelings of nervousness, insecurity, lack of confidence etc. I haven't found that person on my unit who says "yeah, I was scared ******** and I made it. With the support of my coworkers I had all of those first time experiences I learned from all of them and I am here to tell you you will too" Nothing nearly as positive. So damn frustrating-the unsure, insecure and scared feelings I have. More often you'll hear "Well that was textbook ACLS, do you have your algorithms memorized?" Holy crap I passed ACLS with flying colors but that's not real time, real life. I pray every time I am going in to work that I will be able to handle what comes up. It takes it's toll on your spirit, at least it is on mine.

I am feeling much the same way! I look nearly every day for non bedside nursing opportunities and have found NOTHING! I am distressed-understatement-at how I feel about the entire experience I have had so far as a nurse. I worked really hard-I know everyone here did-and I am starting to think I am stuck and will never find my niche. I have all the same sentiments about the politics, administration, awful (AWFUL) schedule, work load etc. I just want to feel good about what I do. Where have you found the clinic, office and outpatient type jobs? Just curious. Lisa

Hi Spacy8, I would love to be in a clinic setting rather than the hospital setting that I am in now! I feel like it was ingrained in my head that I HAD TO start in the hospital. I am recently off of orientation and I am struggling with anxiety, stress and disappointment. I did really well in school, worked in the hospital for 3 years before becoming an RN and I though I did the right research and asked the right questions during my interview but GOSH things are different when you get inside. I am interested in hearing about your experience in the clinic. My expectations about feeling good about my job were blown. The strategy to get things done is completely task focused. Arg!I could go on but I won't. I am just feeling sad about my experience so far. I am hoping that it gets better at some pt. If anyone else has insight on clinic jobs; their experience as a clinic RN and/or how to find clinic employment I'd greatly appreciate it. I look for job postings constantly but can't find anything that's clinic or office based? Thanks!! Lisa

NJprisionrn, Do you work a 40 hour week? How many weekend shifts do you work monthly? Thanks! LF

Hi and thanks for the replies! Jeeezzz the things you don't know to ask when interviewing for your first job-right!! A couple of things...the hospital's HR policy is that you stay on your hiring unit for 6 months before moving. I think this is totally reasonable. The unit that I am now working on has the 2.5 year (requested) commitment. I did not sign anything and would never. Maybe, just maybe, if there was a tuition forgiveness program or a full-blown residency program I would consider making that type of commitment in writing. In doing some reading and asking around it does seem that a commitment like this is usually to a hospital or hospital system and not to a unit. Another thing a few people have pointed out to me is a big fat RED FLAG (this honestly didn't cross my mind at the time) why do they feel the need to ask for that term commitment what the heck kind of turnover do they have??!! Well in retrospect I guess that should have crossed my mind. Oh well. I am making the best of it and will take everything I can fromt he experience. Thanks again for the thoughts and I would appreciate any additional comments. LF

Hi Everyone, I am curious if anyone else is finding this situation; the hiring unit requires a 2 year stay after orientation. That's 2 1/2 years on that unit; a long commitment for a brand new RN. There is no contract or paperwork involved there is also no tuition repayment, no sign on bonus or nurse residency involved either. I have seen commitment requirements in those situations, and I understand it in those cases. The commitment is in exchange for the 6 month orientation and the classes you take throughout orientation. The classes are taught "in-house" by nurse educators. Other units in my hospital system do not require any time commitment and many of those units require nearly the same classes. I would appreciate thoughts, opinions and hearing about other's experiences and how you handled this. Thanks!!

Hi, I have been reading on allnurses for a looong time but have never posted before. I am a second career RN. I loved school, did really well, worked in the hospital while going to school and am absolutely struggling with the stress and fear that I am experiencing at work. I am in critical care and just coming off of orientation. I don't even know where to begin there's so much running around in my head. I hear a little bit of myself in everyone else's posts. I worked so hard to get here, wanted this so badly and it feels nothing like what I had hoped. I have a constant feeling of incompetence, clumsiness and intense pressure. I get overwhelmed SO easily, and I and am so afraid of making a mistake. When I think I have made a little progress there's always a setback around the corner. I feel like the "feel good" parts of nursing get lost with a 3 pt load. I don't know what has happened to me, but this is not how I had hoped for things to be. This has turned in to a mental battle of the fear, anxiety and stress instead of an awesome learning experience. I have tried many things to redirect and lessen the stress-I even started seeing a therapist-JEEEZZZ what has happened to me. I am sad and praying that I will develop the confidence that I am so lacking. I thought I was tough, but work is affecting my personal life which is frustrating and depressing too.