oncrnmom

I also started on an oncology unit directly after graduation from nursing school. Apply and try to talk to the nurse-manager on the oncology unit. Your med-surg experience would make your transition an easy one in my opinion.

How about a precepter for a dept. that puts you on orientation for weeks longer for things like not documenting an IV site already documented in pre-printed nursing notes. Threatening to report you to a supervisor every time you turned around for such offenses as using tape on the outside of the chart. For ridiculing you in front of other staff for using a report sheet "too much like a floor nurse" in an ER setting. Acting as if You do not exist for weeks at a time even though your are the only two RN's on the floor...... This is the tame stuff....you should hear how the techs were treated by this "professional."

I had the cutest couple..married 40+ years that were asking me adivice about the husband's recurrent bouts with FLEA-BITE-US! It was the hardest thing to keep a straight face!

I asked one of our Onc Docs. who specializes in breast cancer. DCIS is very curable usually with the biopsy...everyone seems to have a different opinion about following up with radiation and Tamoxifin. But to quote one Doc when asked about a friend of mine who had the biopsy and whose margins were clear..."She will be fine." I know it can reoccur at anytime but as long as there are regular follow-ups most people are fine.

I am trying to change specialties and although I see many postings on job sites for new grads etc, when I try to apply for ER positions I don't even get to the interview. "I am sorry we are looking for people with ER experience." I am working on ACLS and PALS certification now as I know that is neccesary. I just want to know if it is taken into account that the experience gained such as I have in oncology. Our patients have every system involved and are very sick and we get very proficient at assessing who is in big trouble and needs interventions quickly. It seems that it would be easier to get hired as a new grad than as an experienced nurse. I am just wondering if there is any insight you can give me. I appreciate any advice you are willing to give.