Thinking about outpt onco/infusion, thoughts?

[LisaFis]

I am interested in thoughts from experienced onco/infusion nurses. I am considering a job in outpatient oncology and infusion nursing. This type of nursing would be new to me and totally different from my experiences so far as a nurse. I have been primarily med-surg and ICU for several years. I am nervous about trying something new but also very excited. Anything major to be aware of when considering this specialty; i.e pitfalls, things to be clarified in an interview, general "heads-up" points and the positives? I am excited and focused mostly on the perceived positives. I just want to make sure I considering everything that I can in making a good decision. Thanks!!

[annister]

Depending on your personality, the positives may look like negatives (and the negatives positives.) So here goes...

POSITIVES:

* you get to know your patients well and you will be able to pick up on very subtle changes in condition that might otherwise go unnoticed (until they are a serious problem)

* IN GENERAL, onco patients are very grateful and appreciative of their docs/nurses

* Regular, more reliable work schedule

* Extremely specialized and focused practice and skill set (also a negative)

* In my experience, oncologists are pleasant to work with and care greatly for their patients

* It's a great break from bedpans/call lights/having to take or give report/excessive charting

* Physicians tend to rely on and respect your assessments/observations of your patients

* There are more, but you get it, I'm sure...

NEGATIVES:

* I miss the adrenaline rush sometimes (although, I've had quite a few serious chemo reactions/other emergencies to handle with much fewer resources than I had in the hospital setting)

* People die--a lot; Many of whom (and their families) you've gotten to know over months or years. It can be hard for one person to experience so many losses

* Generally less pay/expensive benefits (if privately owned)

* I hate being so much more involved in insurance/dx codes/the financial aspects of healthcare

* There always seems to be more bad news than good for patients, and the good news is often short lived

* Seeing patients deteriorate over a long period of time, and what some chemo does to people

* There are more negatives too, but you get my point...

THINGS TO ASK/CLARIFY:

* Length and structure of orientation

* Usual patient load and patients per nurse/day

* If employer will pay for chemo certification/education

* Types of treatment provided (just chemo, or blood products/abx/fluids...)

* Availability of appropriate equipment and supplies (crash cart/bp cuffs/IV pumps/CVC maintenance and access supplies)

I work at a privately owned office in the chemo/infusion suite. I do occasionally miss the acute care setting, but what keep me where I am are the doctors I work with and the patients I care for. If nothing else, it is a constantly rewarding and satisfying job.