Where can I go from here?

[MsGolightlyRN]

I just posted in a different forum area but i really need some good varying opinions. I am a new heme/onc nurse (graduated this past may w/my BSN) I have been working at a major Boston hospital and it's going really well; however, I really hate the nursing lifestyle!! In addition to being mentally & physically &emotionally exhausted from the job itself, i feel it's being made 100 times worse from having such an erratic schedule and being exhausted all of the time (36 hr rotating to all shifts). I know I have to wait to get seniority to be able to have a real say in these things. I really don't think I can wait until then! I am wondering what other nursing careers I can work towards. I would like to stay in onc and perhaps teach (?) I just don't know what is out there and how to explore my options. help

[mom4josh]

First, welcome to oncology. I've been working oncology for over 5 years now, and I absolutely love it. I work 3 nights a week, 7p - 7a. I usually only do 2 nights back to back, just because I'm too tired after the second night.

Being in Boston, you must have quite a few hospitals to choose from (unlike where I live in Central TX). I would first suggest finding a hospital that does not have rotating shifts. I would never be able to function with rotating shifts... my body doesn't know whether it's coming or going sometimes now, let alone if I had to change every so often. If you can work 7p - 7a and get good sleep during the day (no little ones around and a nice quiet place to sleep), I'd suggest this shift for the first year or two so you can learn how to be a nurse. I know it was easier for me to learn at nights when there weren't always tons of interruptions.

There are lots of things you can do with some experience. If you're definite about oncology, you can work for a physician or clinic where you give chemo, you can work with radiation patients, loads of options.

Good luck in whatever you decide. PM me if you have other questions.

[GrumpyRN63, ADN, RN]

After a couple of years under your belt,you would have a good shot at outpatient onc clinic,either one affiliated with the hospital, or outside w/pvt medical/onc group, you may need a CNS to get into teaching , are you definitely stuck on rotating shifts?? Any other schedule options?? we don't rotate, and IF someone has to, they only get a couple of off shifts every 2-3 months or so

[MsGolightlyRN]

Thanks for your replies! I am definitely going to stick it out for at least a little while. I just think I need something to work towards. I am looking into part time positions or volunteer opportunities to maybe do on my "off-days" to see what I really like/want to do. Teaching is appealing to me, but I know I won't be taken seriously without some experience. Maybe I can teach first-year nursing students or something while I stick it out at my current position for a few years. I just know I can't keep this up for too long. I'm already beat and it hasn't even been a year! : /