Surgical Oncology unit- New Grad

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Hello,

I just recently accepted my first job as an RN on the surgical oncology floor, and I have a few more weeks before I start and would love to hear from anyone who is in this type of unit, and any advice on what to study/refresh/prepare for. I'm extremely excited about this opportunity, thanks so much!!!

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I just started on an oncology med-surg floor. Familiarize yourself with chemo Tx and ports. Also, review the administration of blood products. Know what S/S to look for in sepsis and septic shock, as well as Tx. Good luck! I had no intention to begin with oncology, but I absolutely love the floor I'mon. I hope for the same as you start out!

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Oh wow great! Ok thanks for the tips, I have made a list of what I should brush up on, I am so nervous but I am confident that I have a very supportive group. If u think of anything else please let me know! I have 2 weeks!!! I didn't plan for oncology either but I feel I made a good choice.

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No worries. I'm also new on the floor, so I'm kind of in the same spot as you. Don't be afraid to ask questions. Know the policies and where to find them at your facility. Surprisingly, all central line care, including dressings, is not done by the nurses at my hospital, which I wouldn't have known if I didn't ask.

If you have any questions in the future, feel free to shoot me a PM.

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Specializes in SDU, Tele.

So I started on a surgical onc (step down ICU) floor as a new grad too about 3 years ago. You may or may not be giving chemo--my unit wasn't the chemo onc floor. We received actual SURGICAL pts like status post mastectomies, hysterectomies, bowel resections, amputations, GI bleeds (r/o colon ca), gastrectomies, radical neck dissections, etc.. if they needed chemo we transferred em out. Maybe you can find out if you'll be giving chemo or not. If not, just learn as much about post-op care and education for these patients. good luck :)

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Yea I believe my floor will be the same, where we get pre/post-op patients and chemo is done on another floor. Just trying to get an idea of what to prepare for, this is my first job as a nurse and I graduated a year ago but took a year off to volunteer overseas where I did NO nursing work. So I am nervous that I will not know enough...

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Oncology is a great field. Review different ABX because they are immunocomprised. Also hand hygiene is Soooo important for that population. Depending on their surgery they may have colostomy, neph tubes, corpak etc. it is a detailed specialty but I love it!! Best of luck to you!

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Specializes in Hematology/Oncology.
Oncology is a great field. Review different ABX because they are immunocomprised. Also hand hygiene is Soooo important for that population. Depending on their surgery they may have colostomy, neph tubes, corpak etc. it is a detailed specialty but I love it!! Best of luck to you!

I highly doubt you would get too many immunocompromised. that would be very high risk for postop

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Hi. How is surgical onco unit going for you so far? I have an interview next week. I would appreciate any tips and advice. Thank you.

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It's great, definitely a pre/post op floor and occasional ed admit overflow unit. We are called the "flap" floor so we get a lot of flap recons, trachs, lady's, Whipple. Things like that. I am very happy on my floor the people are very helpful and welcoming. Good luck on your interview!

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Thank you. I'm so excited!

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