jema1990

@danceyrun, Um, the hospital I work for has three oncology floors. The two main ones (41/42) are divided between general heme/onc (41) and BMT patients (42). I believe their nurses float between 41/42. I have never cared for a BMT patient but have no reason to believe I wouldn't love it. I know that when our BMT patients get critical, they go to our transplant ICU rather than stay on 42. Why do you ask?

Hey guys. I currently work on a cardiac ICU floor and have never been less excited about anything in my life. I worked on a progressive care/tele floor before this position and frequently had heme/onc patients and I just love them. I love that patient population and want to bend over backwards and twist to help them as much as I can. But I wanted other experience first, before I committed my career to oncology. I'm about ready to make the transition and discovered that oncology ICUs exist in certain places. What?! I didn't realize this was even an option and wanted feedback from fellow nurses who may have some insight on this. Thanks!

You work on an oncology ICU?! I knew they existed but where?! I work on a cardiac ICU floor and have been buying time before committing to my one true love...oncology :) I worked med/tele/progressive care before and frequently had heme/onc patients but I've never worked on an official floor. Can you tell me more about what you've done? And what's an oncology ICU like? I'm very intrigued!

You mentioned shaking before clinicals? Are you nervous? Do you hate it because you hate any feelings of failing you may have or do you hate what you're doing? I feel like those are two very different things...and the former doesn't mean nursing isn't for you. I work on a cardiac icu floor and had HUGE panic attacks when I first began...and I worked med/tele beforehand. If you shake/feel nervous because of tremendous pressure you're putting on yourself...you can work through it. I promise. And you can do anything in nursing...from patient care to teaching to consulting to public health to administrative work and beyond if the bedside turns out not to be for you. Try and figure out why you feel bad...and that will lead you in a solid direction :)

Hey there. I work on a cardiac ICU floor after about six months on progressive care/tele. I do have my BSN, which many hospitals (including my employer) require these days for ICU and even the floor. I became ACLS certified before I applied and I also contacted the manager and expressed interest in the posted position but wondered if I could shadow the unit to see if I really thought it was a good fit. I ended up getting an interview and the position. I wouldn't get frustrated. Just market your strengths and think of good points for improvement (as that question will always get asked in an interview). Good luck :)