I worked hard with an interdisciplinary team to help find the funds and coordinate the accommodations for her to fly home in a private air ambulance. They truly become part of your family. Our very own President & CEO Mary Lou Mastro will post about what our patients want to know, from the latest buzz in our hospitals to what’s new in health care. May 17, 2017
To see the full site, please upgrade your browser to the most recent version of Safari, Chrome, Firefox or Internet Explorer. We’ve got fresh new ideas about how to lead a healthier life! It's different than other units or type of nursing. Like all nurses, oncology nurses have heart, compassion, spirit and dedication. Leukemia can affect the amount of red or white blood cells and your platelet count. The ONS offers many continuing education resources on its website, from courses and activities to practice exams for the Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN) certification. I thought I would never go into the field of oncology, but my first clinical in nursing school was on an oncology floor and, after the first day I said, ‘this is what I want to do.’ The patients and families are amazing. My sister is a verterinary nurse, and a bit more 'hard nosed' than me, she knows I would like to go into oncology, and has obviously the same 'experiences' personally as a family member as me. A nurse navigator can help guide you through this challenging chapter in your life. When I first became a nurse, there were not a lot of formal mentoring programs. I am also an ongoing educator to patients and families regarding drugs and side effect management, home care, and daily life management. She became so ill that she was no longer able to receive active treatment, but she was too sick to travel home with her family. 5 Soft Skills that Nurse Practitioners Use Every Day, Herzing University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission - www.hlcommission.org, Update your Zip code, preferred campus, and preferred program. When I was asked to write about why I'm thankful I am an oncology nurse… You can go straight into oncology nursing as a new grad. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook. Oncology nursing is the most rewarding specialty field of nursing. From the moment your cancer journey begins, your oncology nurse helps monitor your condition, prescribe medication, administer chemotherapy and provide support and comfort to you and your family. |
Kelly Opaleski and Melissa Granger have been nurses at Edward-Elmhurst Health for over 10 years. Nurse Maria Huerta is always thinking about her patients. Our physicians and other experts will post about all things moms and moms-to-be want to know. Becoming an Oncology Nurse. COVID-19 Virtual Community Town Hall presentation now available >>. I have learned to always look three steps ahead of what can happen during treatment day, and in life in general. I was drawn to oncology specifically because I love having the opportunity to form long-term relationships with my patients. M: I realized I wanted to be a nurse in seventh grade, when my four-year-old cousin was diagnosed with a brain tumor. I love caring for people, so nursing was a natural calling for me. You can join Jessica in a rewarding, fulfilling career as an oncology nurse. An oncology nurse is a registered nurse who cares for and educates patients who have cancer. Herzing University can help make YOU possible. M: Ever since I decided I wanted to be a nurse in seventh grade, I knew I wanted to do oncology. I had a patient who was very young and she was receiving her treatment far from home. It is also good to have a sense of humor, eat healthy, stay hydrated and exercise. Peek into their roles and learn about what it’s like to care for patients with cancer: K: I’ve been an oncology nurse since I graduated college. Many nurses find a career in oncology to be especially rewarding. Oncology nurses are with us during some of the most intimate times in our lives. Oncology nurses are involved in many aspects of cancer diagnoses and treatment, including prevention and early detection, and symptom management. Get more information about our BSN degree program - or if you're considering nursing as a second career, our ABSN program option. Our stories about patients who bravely and proactively improved their health, and the caregivers who helped them along the way, are sure to motivate and inspire. “Make sure you are really … They may work with a variety of patients, from children to the elderly, from outpatients through to palliative care. It has also taught me to be a little more patient as I'm a very “type A” person. New graduate nurses will need to complete an internship program which involves both a didactic component as well as working alongside a nurse … Receive our free Healthy Driven Newsletter for more ways to be healthy driven. We asked an oncology nurse what she loves most about her job and what nursing students should know about specializing in oncology. Becoming an oncology nurse requires extra schooling after nursing school, like any specialty. Alene Nitzky, a certified oncology nurse and author of Navigating the C: A Nurse Charts The Course for Cancer Survivorship Care, emphasizes that the work can be very demanding. I was taken under the wings of experienced nurses who guided my nursing practice. This was the first patient that I became very close with and it was hard for me to separate my personal feelings from the situation. K: I am an infusion nurse, so I assist patients throughout their treatments, including giving them chemotherapy, blood products, antibiotics and multiple other infusions for various conditions. *, Hi, how can I assist you?Questions?Chat Now, MSN - Nursing Leadership & Administration, MSN - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, RN to MSN - Nursing Leadership & Administration, RN to MSN - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, PMC - Nursing Leadership and Administration, PMC - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Certificate in Emergency Medical Technician – Basic. Discover cancer support services at Edward-Elmhurst Health. Get the latest news you need to know, from study hacks to interview tips to career advancement. Don't try to do it all yourself. I have also learned to be prepared for anything, always smile and be happy. She shares her thoughts on why she is thankful for the amazing patients for whom she cares. It takes someone truly special to work in the field of oncology. I love being there for patients in the most difficult moments of their life. From the moment your cancer journey begins, your oncology nurse helps monitor your condition, prescribe medication, administer chemotherapy and provide support and comfort to you and your family. My advice is…do it! Oncology nursing only requires an RN license and generally some oncology certifications. He described it as one of the most challenging but fulfilling experiences of his life, which is all I've ever wanted out of becoming a nurse. I really feel like I make a difference every day. Oncology nurses are with us during some of the most intimate times in our lives. “Honestly, my favorite thing about being an … If you get the opportunity to choose a clinical rotation (not sure if your school … I give patients a lot of education on various medications they are receiving, help with managing side effects, and emotional support. It can get hard when patients pass away because losing a part of your family is hard. My dad was a physician and my mom was an oncology APN and PhD. Apr 16, 2015. Jennifer Kakuske, RN, is an oncology nurse with the UW Carbone Cancer Center. Your day-to-day really depends on where you work. I also consider the relationships that I have built with my patients as mentoring experiences. He described it as one of the most challenging but fulfilling experiences of his life, which is all I've ever wanted out of becoming a nurse. The patients and their families are awesome. Our goal is to help you reach yours. Oncology nurses often work in sterile hospital environments and some work in community clinics. Oncology nurses work in a multi-disciplinary team, in a variety of settings, from the inpatient ward, to the bone marrow transplant unit, through to the community.