Overall view on my project is going smoothly but slowly (sad face.) However, I finally achieved assimilating an internship at a pediatrics office (Name is confidential due to security reasons since this blog is open to anyone.) I’m sensationally awakened by this prodigious opportunity and I’m doubtlessly ready for the authentic world (maybe I’m still panicky.) I start my wonderful internship next Tuesday and of course I get to “scrub it up!” ( nurse term meaning I get to wear scrubs!) Any who, this is the nurse specialist for the week:
Hematology/Oncology Nurses
Hematology and Oncology specialties are closely related in a medical environment. Leukemia and other blood-related diseases have a close association with cancer and require similar care paradigms.
Nurses drawn to this specialty must have a desire to work closely with patients whose diseases could lead to death. Family and patient support are a priority, along with education of disorders and diseases. Patients with cancer often go through a wide range of physical, emotional, and spiritual changes, all of which nursing personnel must manage and offer support for. On the other end of the care spectrum, Hematology/Oncology nurses have highly technical skills, especially when it comes to knowledge of cancer care, such as chemotherapy and radiation. Nurses in a few related sub-specialties may work in a Hematology/Oncology unit:
- Acute care Nurse
- Intravenous Therapy nurse
- HIV/Aids nurse
- Infectious Disease nurse
Hematology/Oncology nurses are experienced with sedatives and antibiotics, various drugs and medications used to treat patients, and may be responsible for their own IV therapies. Skilled nurses may be primary administrators of chemotherapy, as well.
Besides hospital settings, Hematology/Oncology nurses may also work in cancer centers, outpatient treatment clinics, home health nursing, hospice care, correctional facilities, long-term and assisted care facilities. Patients living with cancer may not be hospitalized, but may require regular nursing check-ups, counseling, and drug therapies for proper maintenance of their disease.
Nurses with advanced practice degrees may also pursue nursing research and assume oncology nurse manager, educator and administrator roles. Two closely related oncology specialties are pediatric hematology/oncology nursing and hospice nursing.
Nurses with Associate's and Bachelor's degrees may start their careers in hematology/oncology environments, most commonly in a hospital. In settings such as these, entry-level nurses can easily harness significant knowledge specific to the specialty.
Nurses with a number of years in a clinical oncology work environment may wish to pursue advanced degrees. Clinical Nurse Specialists and Nurse Practitioners often specialize in oncology. These Master’s in Nursing degrees qualify graduates to apply for management level roles, as well as deliver patient care and treatment plans independent of physicians.
