ORSmurf

I appreciate all the good information here. I'll be taking the OCN exam in Nov. and am pretty nervous!

Hello. 3 1/2 years RN in CA, just over 39/hr. Work outpatient, hospital based, part time, weekdays, no nights, weekends, holidays.

We offer our patients a xylociane injection. I'd say it's half and half as far as how many prefer it. We don't have the spray or emla cream options.

That's awesome! Do you work in-patient or out-patient?

I live in Northern California and work in an outpatient specialty clinic with no nights, weekends or holidays. I'm an ADN RN with 3 years experience and make 37.35/hr.

Hi Jen, Wow - congratulations on everything you've accomplished. What a good story. I think you'll love working with oncology patients. I work in an outpatient cancer center giving chemotherapy. I am a highly emotional person and was afraid I wouldn't be able to handle that aspect of it. I love the patients and have the most wonderful co-workers and there's a lot of laughter every day. There are sad times and I cry sometimes, but it's been very rewarding. Good luck in your journey and God bless you, Christine

Northern Calif., small hospital, 2.5 years exp., ADN RN, 36+/hr.

I was put on the wait list the first time I applied to the LVN to RN step up program. I didn't get in that year, but did get in the next year I applied. It was pretty frustrating to have to wait that extra year.

Big hugs to you Mystic Fish. I am so sorry to hear about your situation. You are in good company, my friend. Good for you for recognizing when enough is enough. God bless you and much luck in your next endeavor. I hope you can take some time off - you deserve a nice long vacation! I hope your next employer appreciates all you bring to the job. Take good care, Christine

I would suggest calling your Human Resources person to ask all those questions. It might vary depending on your hospital/employer. Where I work, you get a yearly "step" raise, and usually a cost of living increase also (keeping in mind, both are usually pretty small, only about 3% or so). We get paid OT for over 10hrs in a day or over 40hrs in a week (I work 10hr shifts).

You're right that this will vary depending on the institution. I work at a pretty small hospital and they promote "tuition reimbursement" as one of the employee benefits, but they will only cover up to $1,000 a year and there are some stipulations that go along with it - you must earn at least a B in the class and if you are awarded any reimbursement and leave within a year, you have to pay it back. Every little bit helps though... very little bit!

Congratulations Soneshine!! I started at an outpatient cancer center about 4 months ago. I've also only been an RN for a little over 2 years (8 years as an LVN) and most of my career has been in the OR. It was a huge change, to say the least. You already got what I think is the best advice - take your time and look up meds! It's easy to feel rushed and it's so important to know what you're giving. I hate to make people wait, but I'm sure they'd rather wait than to have a mistake made. It's toxic stuff we're working with. Don't cut corners - protect yourself and your patient. It's such an honor to work with this population - I love the patients and am blessed with the most supportive co-workers. I hope you are as well. Best of luck to you! Christine

I work at an outpatient cancer center and we always check the chemo, with 2 chemo RN's, for each patient all at once when the phamramcy delivers it. We also double check the pump settings each time a new chemo is hung.

I've worked in the OR for about 10 years - 8 years as an LVN/Scrub, then 2 years as an RN/Circulator. I love the OR, but was feeling restless and in need of a change. I left the hospital OR for an outpatient OR job to escape the call (I HATED being on call). I still felt the need for more of change, and 2 months ago I took a job back at the hospital in an outpatient cancer center. I administer chemotherapy (I had to take a class, of course), work 10 hour shifts, no nights, no weekends or holidays and no call. The heaviest thing I carry is an IV bag. In the OR, there were days I felt beat up by the end of the day from carrying and moving heavy equipment, etc.. It was a very difficult transition for me, but I'm glad I stuck it out because I love it now. Some days I miss the OR very much and wonder if I've made the right choice. Most days I'm really happy with the decision - I love the patients and was lucky to find a very supportive group of people to work with.

Congratulations and best of luck to you!!