Resource for cancer basics?

Published

Specializes in oncology, MS/tele/stepdown.

I'm a new grad in tele/onco and I am about to come off orientation (eek!). I did well in school and I've had a lot of great preceptors, but I feel like my knowledge base just isn't there yet. My floor is newly oncology and I don't necessarily feel all my coworkers are the best resources either. Nursing school just didn't set me up for this niche, and I want to be better prepared. What is a good resource for basic oncology information?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

LIPPINCOT manual of nursing practice & your nursing assessment book will consolidate your basic knowledge.

Also, familiarize yourself with unit/ward books and files and don't stress yourself by memorizing all medication you will know them as you go.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Oncology; medical specialty website.

I always encourage new oncology nurses to join the Oncology Nursing Society. As a member, you get discounts on CE and publications.

The "Core Curriculum for Oncology Nursing" is a comprehensive manual that should be in all oncology nurses personal libraries. In addition, I would get the latest edition of the chemotherapy/biotherapy manual ONS publishes. Are you going to be taking the chemoprovider course? I would take it, if I were you, even if it isn't required by your employer. You can find the nearest offering through ONS.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Critical Care.

Chemocare.com is a very good resource for drugs, we even print drug information sheets for our new patients from there as part of our education.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I agree, Chemocare.com is the place I go to get drug information for patients and to remind my self of the common side effects and precautions as well. It took me 2 years of Oncology nursing to feel up to taking the OCN exam, but I got my chemo/biotherapy certification right off the bat.

Know your lab values, Heme 8 with differential and Comprehensive panel as well as electrolites.

You will have computer access all the time so don't be afraid to google, wikipedia, or find another reliable site, I use these all the time and have not had trouble finding accurate info.

Don't be afraid to ask the more experienced nurses for help. I have found that most of them love to share knowledge and are happy to help. But be careful, sometimes it has been a long time since an experience RN has reviewed current evidence based practice, so make sure you are getting accurate info.

Good luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion