Article

Undergraduate Student Opportunities Abound in Oncology Nursing
Maureen E. O’Rourke RN, PhD
Associate Clinical Professor, University of North Carolina, Greensboro

As a nursing professor, I am asked frequently by students, especially during times of struggle, what made me choose nursing as a profession. Later, as seniors agonize over job selection decisions, the questions become more specific: “Why did you choose oncology nursing?” they ask. Similar to many of my colleagues, I suspect, my choice was influenced by a personal loss. I am hesitant, however, to share this information with students because I do not want them to immediately associate oncology nursing with loss.

I find it challenging to convey the depth of the professional and personal fulfillment I have experienced over the past 24 years as an oncology nurse. For this, I credit the incredibly courageous patients and families I have worked with as well as my dedicated colleagues.

Given my role as a faculty member, I have had growing concern over the lack of exposure students have to the field of oncology nursing. I am concerned about in-class and clinical experiences, and, to this end, I would like to try to share some suggestions for students who are interested in getting more involved.

First and most importantly, share your interest with your faculty. Tell your academic advisor and each successive instructor about your interest in oncology nursing. They have a vast network of professional and personal connections. Make obtaining some oncology experience a personal goal in each clinical rotation. For example, during a women’s health rotation, you can spend some time working in the area of gynecologic oncology, or your instructor may assist you in tailoring your assignment so that you can work with a patient with ovarian, cervical, or uterine cancer. Ask specifically if you can spend some time with a nurse who is working in the are of cancer prevention, teaching breast health and performing Pap tests. Remember that oncology nursing is more than illness care; it includes prevention as well. This strategy works well in other clinical rotations also. For example, in community health, I have been able to work out assignments so that those who are interested can work with patients with cancer, and some students have worked in the hospice setting.

Traditional medical-surgical rotations can afford rich opportunities for working with people with cancer and their families. Be sure to request to accompany patients to their diagnostic tests because these offer valuable learning experiences as well. Request to spend time working with a nurse preceptor on the oncology unit or the bone marrow transplant unit.

Many nursing programs now have capstone experiences where senior-level students culminate their clinical education by spending the final six to eight weeks working one-on-one with a nurse preceptor in a specific area. Students may work up to 40 hours per week, gradually taking on increased responsibility. This experience provides an ideal opportunity to work on an oncology unit full time.

An integral part of nursing education is socialization to the professional role. Contact the ONS National Office for information about local ONS chapter meetings, and attend one with some of your classmates. This is professionalism in action. Attend an oncology-related conference or workshop outside of class. Most sponsoring agencies offer greatly reduced rates for student attendees. ONS has two major conferences each year in addition to numerous regional workshops. Other workshops are available through area health education centers and local medical centers.

Have you worked with a particularly interesting patient or family? Do you have a unique experience to share with your peers? Consider publication. Perhaps you have a relationship with a faculty member that might work with you as a coauthor. Did you know that ONS has a new writer mentorship program that allows inexperienced writers to link with more experienced mentors working on a manuscript for submission to the Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing? Less formal mechanisms exist as well.

Take time to learn about professional certification and what it takes to become an OCN^®. Join ONS as a student member. The reduced fee is one of the few real bargains you get as a student! Your membership fee includes subscriptions to two oncology nursing journals.

As an oncology nursing veteran, I can assure you that the opportunities in our field are endless. We are eager to have you join our ranks! Let us know how we can be of help to you!