want to be an oncology nurse

HerbalGypsy · Apr 6, 2011

You don't say where you are located. However, Washington Hospital Center in Washington DC has a resident program for new graduates with possible openings on the medical-oncology unit. It is an excellent program.

cymphilly · Apr 7, 2011

Thanks, HerbalGypsy. I look for information about the RN residency program on the hospital webstie, however, there is no way to apply for this program. Besides, other than applying the residency program, any others ways I can do or prepare for the RN job in this speciality?

Aeterna, BSN, RN · Apr 11, 2011

In terms of specialties, general medicine is probably closest. Get familiar with IVs (including starting IVs) as well as working with central lines. Interpreting blood work (i.e. CBCs, lytes), while essential in nursing in general, becomes extra important because chemo wrecks all of it - so also be prepared to administer blood products and the like.

dardeedee · Apr 12, 2011

Be prepared to do some study on your own. The Oncology Nursing Society has an excellent website with many resources regarding the latest treatments. You don't have to be a member to look at it.

cymphilly · Apr 12, 2011

Thanks so much, Aeterna and Dardeedee. There are a lot of information in the oncology nursing society website. However, I don't know where I can find information, such as training and classes for the IV and central line. I didn't have chance to change the central line when I was in school clinical practicism. Any information for me? Thanks.

Aeterna, BSN, RN · Apr 14, 2011

Like I said, try for a general medical floor. In all likelihood, you will find some sort of central lines there. Even getting comfortable with peripheral IVs is an asset.

Also, check if there are any online oncology nursing courses. Here in Ontario, we have the deSouza Institute but it is currently only for Ontario oncology nurses, unfortunately.

cymphilly · Apr 14, 2011

Thanks, Aeterna. It is very difficult for me, a new graduate nursing student, to find a job . It makes me no chance to have any experience in IV insertion. And that's y I was asking any courses that I can take to increase my chance to enter the oncology field. Anyway, thanks so much for your advices. :coollook:

LBradshaw19 · Apr 30, 2011

CymPhilly- I am in the same position as you. I graduated last May and am also wanting to get into the oncology field. What I have learned is that getting into Med/Surg and getting a year or two of that under my belt is the best way to go. The hospital I am going to start working at is going to train me on how to start IV's and anything else that I may need to learn. I have looked into an oncology certification which doesn't chemo cert me but certs me to care for patients on chemo. The class seems really good and I am eager to take it. I can send you the brochure if you are interested and you can go on the website and find a class near you. That way this will get you a step in the right direction! :)

cymphilly · May 1, 2011

Hi LBradshaw19,

Thanks so much for letting me know the web site. here is my email address:

[email protected]

Thanks so much again.

nursie_pants · May 5, 2011

If you're willing to move, I worked in St. Louis straight out of school for my first nursing job in oncology. In fact, the floor I just left is hiring 10 new grads this June and continues to hire newbies (we're cheap). :) I think the key is willingness to relocate, get that magical 1-2 yrs experience, and then go from there. Good luck!

cymphilly · May 5, 2011

Hi Nursie_pants,

Thanks so much for your information. But where is your hospital? I am living in Philadelphia and I am willing to move anywhere if I can find an oncology job.

Take care,

cymphilly