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Hello there. I am a new grad trying to decide if I should accept a job in the oncology unity. I originally wanted a med/surg unit or DOU but positions were not available. I have no experience in oncology and was told that it is a similar to a med/surg floor, but the patients have cancer. I dont mind that because I wanted to do something a little challeging.

I would like people's input on oncology nurisng (pros/cons), the type of nurse you should be and if its a good start for a new grad. Thank you.

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I have worked peds oncology for the last 6 years and love it. I did not start in it as a new grad but have seen many other nurses start out in peds oncology and do just fine. It is a specialty field so you will have the opportunity to learn alot about a specific area of medicine, but many people with cancer also have other medical issues that still need attention. One of the things I love is that you get to really know your patients because you see them over and over, for some people this is what they find so difficult. Find out nurse/patient ratios and also go by how the unit makes you feel; did the staff seem stressed, did management give you a good impression.

Good luck with whatever you decide!

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Specializes in oncology.

I have worked peds oncology for the last 6 years and love it. I did not start in it as a new grad but have seen many other nurses start out in peds oncology and do just fine. It is a specialty field so you will have the opportunity to learn alot about a specific area of medicine, but many people with cancer also have other medical issues that still need attention. One of the things I love is that you get to really know your patients because you see them over and over, for some people this is what they find so difficult. Find out nurse/patient ratios and also go by how the unit makes you feel; did the staff seem stressed, did management give you a good impression.

Good luck with whatever you decide!

Kimburly has many good suggestions. Oncology nursing rocks, I personally love it, but I have a good ratio 3:1 because my patients are a higher level of acuity. I work in Oncology PCU and Bone Marrow transplant unit. Often times you get very close to your patients because they are in and out and back in again for chemotherapy. This is good and bad in a way, because if something should happen to them it can be very sad because you have gotten so close.

oncnrs

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The unit seems nice, the manager is great, im not sure about the nurses. I was told that the retention is good and it is not often the unit hires new grad for oncology cuz there never is an opening; and the ratio is 4:1. One thing that I do like about oncology is the fact you do see your patients over and over again because you get to see their progress and build that realtionship

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My unit is a mixture of everything med surg and last year they designated 10 beds as ONC beds. Of course we all balked at the idea and management stepped in and put only the stronger nurses on that unit. (whether we wanted to or not). New grads have to complete orientation on the med surg portion and be able to handle a full patient load (5-6 patients) before granting them a position on ONC. This has proven to be very effective.

Our onc has everything the others said... the repeat patients that you just fall in love with and their families are so so supportive of you and your intentions. Sometimes it does get hard and very emotional. We hug each other alot and yes we do cry sometimes but we know we can lean on each other when we are feeling the emotions of the day.

I had thought I didn't want to work this unit full time. Last week they pulled back to the surgical unit and OH MY GOD.... they are SO whiney!!!! I wanted to wheel them over to ONC and show them they needed to shut up!!! So needless to say...I'm back on ONC and I want to stay!!! I am studying for chemo certification. You might want to look at ONS.org and see what info they have as well. That might give you some additional insights.

Things I didn't expect on ONC.... drug seekers, telemetry, laffter!!!! It all works out and at the end of the day... you hope you have done your very best for those that needed it the most.

Good luck!

I read that some were peds oncology nurses. I am considering switching from adults to peds... can anyone share some info?

Wanda

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Specializes in ICU, oncology/organ transplant.

I started on my oncology floor as a new grad. My floor is unique in that we also do organ transplant (because both populations are immunosuppressed). I am not sure what type of hospital you will be working but I think that makes a huge difference in patient population.

Working in the inner city in a poor community has new challenges. My patients that come in are almost always end stage...last year I watched a 21 year old kid die from testicular CA that went untreated because he kept refusing treatment. I see patients that have no where to live or recover from chemo. I see patients that can't read and write, that come from prison for treatment, that have no medical insurance, that don't finish treatments and that have no family visiting or caring. I see patients that have cancer growth from the inside- visible on the outside of their breasts and are just coming to the hospital.

Like the others have said there are also many other pros and cons..I just wanted to add my experience as well.

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