Working in Myelosuppression/Oncology?

[Jo Dirt]

I am not having an easy time finding a job as a new grad RN right now. This time of year places around here don't do a lot of hiring.

However, Vanderbilt Medical Center has openings encouraging new grad RN's to apply to the myelosuppression/oncology unit.

A big plus for me was that it is day shift.

Can anyone offer any insight into what it will be like working in this area?

[JadeRN7]

I would appreciate this info as well. Anyone? TIA

[GAgirl]

I absolutely LOVE working in oncology. I have been in oncology and stem cell transplant for 5 years and can't imagine working in another field. On our unit, I've noticed people tend to love it or hate it. People that hate it seem to know right away and don't stay for too long. It is sad, and many interns and residents that rotate through can only describe it as "depressing". You see every emotion and all sorts of complications on a floor like this. I have the opportunity to get to know my patients and their families pretty well because they are either there for extended lengths of time or they are in and out frequently for treatment.

Oncology isn't for everyone. It is challenging on many levels and there is always something new happening. Most days it is very fast-paced. You touch lives in ways that most people never have the opportunity to. I have patients from 4-5 years ago that still stop by to say hello. I have family members of patients who passed away who still come by to share a hug, a smile, and sometimes tears. It's amazing. I never realized how much we affect our patients until I see these familiar faces show up on the floor to say hello.

I hope this helps. Like I said, it isn't for everyone, but personally, i absolutely love it. I feel blessed to have found I job that I enjoy so much.

[Iluvhospice]

GAgirl is absolutely right.

It is a love it or hate it floor. Personally, I too LOVE it. I love that I get to touch people's lives in ways others don't get to. I get to discuss personal issues/beliefs/fears with them - and grow to love them.

Yes, it hurts to lose them, but I'm always better for having known them and knowing that I made a difference through a gentle touch, kind ear, or a dose of pain medication.

That said, it is a wonderful place for a new nurse to start because you will be exposed to all kinds of situations and varied skills straight out of school. It is busy place. I promise it's never boring!

[oldnewnurse]

I also would encourage you. But even more I would envy you. The opportunity to work at a place like Vanderbilt (MD Anderson or St. Jude's is my idea of a dream place to work oncology) just seems too wonderful to pass up. I work on an 20 bed oncology unit in a community based hospital. We send our BMT's out. We do no peds oncology and we just sent out two mantle cell lymphomas this week to a large metropolitan facility.

I love oncology (have never done anything else) and hope I am never forced to look for a job in another speciality.

The only down side I can see for you as a new nurse is that you may love it so much that you will not want to leave to try another speciality. I do not remember the last patient/family I had who wasn't overwhelmed with the level of care and support our unit provided. If you are in nursing to make a difference, you can't go wrong in oncology.

Good luck with your decision.

[Nesher, BSN, RN]

Do it you won't regret it.

I have been in onc for 17 yesrs, the first ten with gyn onc pts and the the last seven in stem cell transplant. I adore the cutting edge aspects of transplant and i love the relationships I develop with pt and thier families. If that sort of thing appeals to you - the relationship aspect -this is the place for you. If you would prefer to not get attached - run in the other direction.

[NFuser]

I've been in oncology for 8 years, and pray that I never have to go back to another specialty.

IMHO, caring for patients with the bravado and fortitude of oncology patients is incredibly rewarding! Holistic nursing at its finest...families included. Never a dull moment; always a challenge. Multi-disciplinary oriented teamwork. A place where you know you made a difference.

There can be incredibly sad moments, however. Self-awareness of your attitudes toward death and dying, your motivation for becoming a nurse, and your expectations of yourself in that role will help you get through those times.

I agree completely with the all the previous posters. Give it a try. You'll know soon enough if it's a love or hate relationship...and the experience you gain along the way will be awesome.

Oncology nursing ROCKS!

[Markus]

Hi there!

I've worked in oncology for over ten years.Now I'm in stem cell/bone marrow transplant and hematological ICU and I love it!Never enjoyed anything more.

And I'm hopefull to get a job in this speciality when I finally enter the US as a permanent resident.

Keep your fingers crossed for me!