ER nurse going to oncology outpatient clinic. I’m nervous I’m going to get bored with the pace. It is a busier a clinic and I know it’s a different setting (which I need).Someone hype me up. I’m so excited about this job, but my brain is ruining it.
The pace is still busy, but you‘ll actually be able to talk with your patients, and get to know them. Hearing some of their stories will break your heart, others will warm your heart, but the experience is much more personal than the ER, and if you are a nurse because you want to help people, it‘s going to be a rewarding career change for you. It‘ll be wonderful, and if it turns out that you don‘t like it, you can always go back to the ER, or consider other areas in nursing. Good luck, and enjoy it!
Do NOT let your brain ruin this for you! Ten years ago I left ER for a position in an outpatient oncology clinic. I started in Rad Onc and I was "physically bored" but not "mentally bored". I was learning about pathology reports, scans and their findings, and an entirely new type of oncology nursing. After about two years a position was available in Medical Oncology INFUSION and I applied. The pace most days matched what I was doing in a level I trauma center's ER in the mid-west. We are a very busy infusion clinic and the RNs are responsible for not only infusions, but covering satellite clinics, and many non-clinical tasks which. After 19 years in ER (that's all I had worked), I took the leap and have never missed ER - not once (well maybe the 12 hour shifts). Changing to M-F business hours was the most difficult adjustment. Oncology is complicated, requires time to be comfortable and is ever-changing. It's the most rewarding job I've ever held taking care of patients and their families. They're so appreciative of the care and help - they thank you, spoil you, hug you, write notes and bring treats. It makes your heart feel good! Do it!
You will never be bored! There’s so much to learn and ongoing new research—you will be on top of it. You will have the opportunity to make such big differences in people’s lives. Outpatient is different than ER… but I know you will be very happy and fulfilled! I worked in this setting for years and never once was I bored.. and looked forward to going to work everyday!
I’ve been in oncology 26 years and it never gets boring. It’s not the adrenaline rush of emergent patients all the time but there are emergencies that do happen and your experience will keep the patient and family calm! You will have quite a bit of training to do online with the ons to get certified to administer chemotherapy and lots of hands on with an experienced nurse learning the meds, side effects, dosages etc.
Y’all, I went. I hated it. It was the worst job I’ve ever had. The staff were horrible, the management was up your ass all day, the policies we had to follow for some things were just obscene. Never ever will I go back.
It is completely different but remember, the compassion you give people in a fast paced ER will be even more appreciated as you can Hold their hands and their hearts a little longer as they will need you even more and you will be able to follow them through their journey and just like the ER , you will have those awful days and great news days !
You can do this because you are a NURSE !
Go and enjoy your patients, they are waiting for you !
at least in oncology, you will have patients that like to talk, need an ear, a friendly face. These people have been through a war zone, maybe they just want to talk about the weather. Make sure they speak to the nurse navigator and the case manager(these are the nurses that help with scheduling and other clinical needs.)
Help them set up their food tray, bring them some water or coffee and take TIME to answer the questions. Just be there as a resourse for them
The clinic will probably be busy enough to keep you occupied but not crazy busy like ER. You might need to adjust to the M-F schedule. It is easier if that is the same as your spouse and children. If you are single, it presents some difficulties unless you have a great support system.
utilize ons resources, see if you can find a mentor, make time for yourself to do research and "me time"
I know saying don't stress is easier said than done, but if we work certain places that doesn't mean we can't learn new things and succeed at something new. I have been in oncology 2 years and I feel there is always more to learn.
All the best.
