starting a new job in oncology

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I have worked in the hospital on the urology, medical, and orthopedic surgical floor. I work the weekend option package, over night. The job I bid on is in surgical/oncology during the daytime. I am fearful that I won't be able to handle the workload and pace during the day. Plus I have hardly any experience discharging patients. I am also fearful about catching on to the oncology part of the job. Lastly I am in school to complete my BSN and am afraid that I may be overloading myself.

I want to learn oncology, which I find very interesting. I want to get a more normal work week. Also, my nurse manager is very poor, so I am looking for a more positive work environment. I guess I am looking for people that work daytime and how to survive the work pace. I am also looking for any advice in being an oncology nurse. Thanks so much for your time and advice.

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Specializes in Oncology; medical specialty website.

My standard suggestions:

1. Become a member of Oncology Nursing Society. It will give you good discounts on CEU, reference material, etc. There are courses you can take online that give you CEU.

2. If you are going to have to hang chemo, take the ONS Chemotherapy/Biotherapy course. If your organization doesn't send you to this course, you can look up the closest course in your area through ONS.

3. Get the Core Curriculum for Oncology Nursing. You can get it through ONS. It's an excellent manual to cover everything.

4. Be patient. Thre's a lot to learn in oncology.

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Thank you so much for the information, I will take your advice!!!

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