In part one of this blog, I attempted to clarify the clinical role of an oncology infusion room nurse. Excellent clinical skills paired with diverse social skills make this nursing job so unique. Nursing school and clinicals do not fully prepare us for the job, because these skills are developed through on-the-job training. Outpatient nursing requires different skills than inpatient.

What do a rituximab reaction, ice fishing, chest pain, knitted chicken sweaters, hospice, and transportation all have in common? These are examples of the diverse issues, topics, and situations outpatient infusion RNs may encounter on any given day.

“She is super smart, highly qualified, and handpicked by your physician.” Our patient care coordinator often says this when she's on the phone talking face-to-face with patients to set up their next office visit. She encourages patients to accept their upcoming appointment with our nurse practitioner.

The incredibly easy process of making a task list may be something you already do, both in your work and personal life, but lists deserve a quick review of why they are so effective and how they free up working memory—which ultimately reduces stress and improves patient care and workplace interactions.

Although I’ll soon be representing the CNS role, I still have trouble defining it, especially to my patients. This problem isn't unique to me, and it’s hurting the profession as a whole.

Oh, shift work, I hate you one minute and love you the next. When I am working 9–5, I find myself reminiscing about my days off during the week when I would be one of the few people in an otherwise busy grocery store or shopping mall. When I am going on hour 11 of a more than 12-hour shift, I long to be at home, showered, and eating dinner at a normal hour.

A nurse residency or new graduate RN program is a fantastic way to ease the transition from school to your first RN job in a hospital setting. Each is designed to support and encourage new graduates to more quickly develop acute care competencies.

In student nursing forums, I’ve read questions like, “I just graduated and am looking for a job in oncology. Any suggestions?” On the hospital and cancer center job boards, the requirements for nursing positions in oncology are often lengthy and technical. Almost all of them start with “Minimum experience required: one to three years of hospital experience.

From M*A*S*H to ER, House to Nurse Jackie and more, television has represented nurses in varying degrees.

10. To demon­strate my com­mit­ment to prac­tice.

Qualities that make for a good mentor are patience and the passion to teach or share knowledge with others.