Too late to start a new career in Oncology??

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Hi!

I have been a nurse for 18 years, but I haven't practiced in a hospital in over 13 years. I took some time off to raise my kids, and have been working in pediatric homecare and school nursing. I really want to pursue adult oncology with hopes of working with breast cancer patients. I've applied to every oncology position with no luck. I took a RN Refresher course about 4 years ago but it didn't lead to anything. Since I'm not a new grad, I'm not eligible for the nurse intern programs offered. I am willing to work without pay or as a nursing assistant to get some experience. So...is it too late for me? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!!

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Specializes in Oncology; medical specialty website.

You might make yourself a little more marketable if you take the ONS Chemotherapy/Biotherapy Course, but...it will be pretty intense since you have no oncology experience. There are people who have taken it with little to no oncology experience (there were some in the two classes I took, including myself the first time), so it is possible to take it and get your chemo provider card.

Consider joining Oncology Nursing Society and taking some CEUs they provide. They have an in-depth course on breast cancer, but that might be a bit much for you right now. Find other cancer related CEUs; there are several providers who have free courses.

If you really want this, you have to show that you want it. Be proactive. You can't work as a nursing assistant since you'd be working below your licensure and you'd still be held to the standards of your nursing license.

It's not too late. I got into outpatient oncology with no oncology exp. after 25 years working in other specialties.

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Thanks so much for the suggestions. I will definitely follow up with them. Can you suggest any Oncology books? I know it won't be easy, but it's good to know that it is possible!

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Specializes in Oncology; medical specialty website.

The ONS "Core Curriculum for Oncology Nurses" is an in-depth review of onc./hematology disease. Also reviews safe handling, etc. It's heavy reading, but I highly recommend it.

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