Article

The Second-Degree BSN/MSN in Oncology Nursing:
A Student’s Perspective
Sara Wilterdink, Student
School of Nursing at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia

Starting a second-degree BSN/MSN in adult oncology nursing is not easy, but I have found that it has been worth it. One of the biggest problems I faced was returning to an undergraduate status after working for three years as a professional in medical research. Developing mentor relationships with nursing school faculty, finding rapport with local hospital nurse managers, and joining professional nursing organizations are a few strategies I discovered that can aid BSN/MSN students in establishing a sense of nursing professionalism and identification as an oncology professional.

At the University of Pennsylvania, I have been fortunate to find a team dedicated to supporting my long-term goals of becoming an oncology nurse. Early in my program, I was introduced to a hospital floor manager at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. I was hired as a certified nursing assistant, a job that I have worked at part-time during my undergraduate courses. In this position, I became immersed in the daily plight of patients with cancer, observing the skills required of oncology nurses and the dynamics of the oncology medical team. I also learned much from patients, who are valuable educators within this setting. From them, I have developed enhanced skills of compassion, a listening ear, and ideas to improve care. I also have been allowed to participate in educational meetings on the floor, such as nursing safety, assessment skills for patients with cancer, and sitting in on the didactic portion of the chemotherapy certification course. Furthermore, the manager arranged a nurse externship adapted around my required coursework, allowing me to take on an oncology nurse’s role as my skills progressed. All of these opportunities have helped me to maintain my enthusiasm for the oncology nursing profession and have provided insight on my future nursing practice. The hands-on experience at the hospital has been valuable, and I encourage every new second-degree student to make the time to work in his or her specialty.

Oncology nursing courses at an undergraduate level also are valuable. Cancer case study classes with a general overview of oncology nursing introduced me further to patient experiences and oncology professionals within the community. This, combined with the opportunity to study current oncology literature and write papers that acknowledged my personal strengths from clinical experiences, was rewarding. The program best met my needs when I was allowed to bring my preprogram professional experience to my current course work. Therefore, I believe that more courses focused within the specialty of oncology should be offered in the undergraduate setting.

Learning about research also has been encouraged outside the classroom at the Oncology Nursing Research Symposium sponsored by the Adult Oncology Nursing Program at the School of Nursing at the University of Pennsylvania. It was here that I was able to network with nurses with BSNs and MSNs and oncology nurses from the local area. Understanding the community I am joining as an oncology nurse is exciting and has increased my eagerness to complete my nursing degree.

I joined large-scale organizations such as ONS and Philadelphia Area Chapter of ONS (PACONS), based on recommendations from my mentors. I have used the ONS Web site religiously for papers and school research projects. I also have been to lectures sponsored by PACONS and look forward to the chance to attend ONS national conferences as my nursing career advances.

All oncology nursing students have opportunities at their learning institutions to enhance the second-degree undergraduate experience. As a second-degree BSN/MSN student at the University of Pennsylvania, I have been blessed with a team of oncology nursing faculty, courses, and hospital nurse managers dedicated to promoting my success as an oncology nurse. I encourage other BSN/MSN students to use past professional skills to enhance learning experiences and participate in organizations that will support their personal goals of professionalism in oncology nursing.