2 answers
Morgan
Student
Grafton, Ohio
5
Questions
Updated
582 views
Whats the worst and best parts of being a pediatric oncologist nurse
#pediatrics #nurse #medicine #oncology
Login to comment
2 answers
Gina Feriola
Nurse Practitioner
2
Answers
Port Charlotte, Florida
Updated
Gina’s Answer
Hello!
I have been a nurse for over 22 years. When I was 8 years old, I had an Aunt die of cancer. I remember in grade school raising money for St. Jude's Childrens Hospital in TN. I always believed that was where I was meant to work...pediatric oncology. UNTIL...I got to that rotation in nursing school. I had several patients over the 16 week period. I remember every single one. The 10 year old boy who begged to be let out on a day pass to visit Disney World. The 3 year old that showed me not only what a "g-tube" was, but how to properly clean and dress it. A 16 year old athelete with osteosarcoma that did a photoshoot with her mother so mom would have "last pictures" with her. I to this day salute the pediatric oncology nurses knowing I would LOVE TO be a part of their ranks. I am currently doing an oncology rotation and MAY be ready in the next 5 years or so! ;)
All this is meant to say is that you may have a different passion once other opportunities are presented. Never close a door early! I hope this helps!
I have been a nurse for over 22 years. When I was 8 years old, I had an Aunt die of cancer. I remember in grade school raising money for St. Jude's Childrens Hospital in TN. I always believed that was where I was meant to work...pediatric oncology. UNTIL...I got to that rotation in nursing school. I had several patients over the 16 week period. I remember every single one. The 10 year old boy who begged to be let out on a day pass to visit Disney World. The 3 year old that showed me not only what a "g-tube" was, but how to properly clean and dress it. A 16 year old athelete with osteosarcoma that did a photoshoot with her mother so mom would have "last pictures" with her. I to this day salute the pediatric oncology nurses knowing I would LOVE TO be a part of their ranks. I am currently doing an oncology rotation and MAY be ready in the next 5 years or so! ;)
All this is meant to say is that you may have a different passion once other opportunities are presented. Never close a door early! I hope this helps!
Rosalyn Sims
Pharmacist
10
Answers
Troy, Michigan
Updated
Rosalyn’s Answer
Hello. I am not a nurse, but I did work as a pediatric oncology pharmacist for more than 20 years. It was a hugely rewarding experience. The worst part of course is when a patient dies. Thankfully, cure rates for many pediatric cancers are very high due to the excellent research and clinical studies that are done in this field. The Children's Oncology Group plays a large part in pediatric cancer care with many clinical studies of new drugs and new treatment regimens with current drugs. So yes, there are days where you will cry. But they are not as frequent as you would think.
The reward of working with the amazingly brave children and their families far outweighs the sad days.
The reward of working with the amazingly brave children and their families far outweighs the sad days.
Thank you!
Alexandra