What is the Oncology floor like?

[Willowdean, BSN]

I really appreciated what everyone had to say about oncology nursing! I was just offered a choice between a post-surg unit and an oncology unit, and I have been agonizing over trying to make up my mind. (I am graduating in August, so I don't have much experience of my own on which to base my choice). Your descriptions have really helped. If anyone has experience on both a post-surg floor and an oncology floor, I sure would appreciate to hear your thoughts on the contrast as well!

[nicolemy0215]

Time management is a skill that some of the most experienced nurses struggle with, so don't beat yourself up over that so early on. My outlook (since becoming a nurse) has always been to force myself to be in every situation that either frightened me or that I didn't feel confident in. I worked on an extremely busy/high acuity (aka multiple codes every shift) unit when I began nursing and although there were certainly days the first few months where I felt beyond lost and unsure, I was also exposed to such a wide array of diseases/experiences that you basically learn time management as a way to "survive" your shift. I would recommend working on a fast paced ER/ICU/MedSurg floor for a solid year to any nurse struggling with time management. Currently I work in outpatient Onc. Time management is vital...for your patient's experience as well as for your sanity! The pros/cons are unique when working with patients dealing with cancer. I can assure you that I leave work every day grateful for something a patient has taught me about life, but there is an emotional stress associated with working in Onc that can be consuming. Having outlets in life (family/hobbies/etc) is a necessity. Overall, a completely rewarding area to work in.