Article

Wisconsin Student Nurses Explore Oncology Nursing Up Close and Personal
Sandra Underwood, RN, PhD, FAAN
Professor at the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee College of Nursing

Dr. Underwood encourages nursing students to consider oncology as their specialty since as she stressed often, “cancer affects everyone.” From left to right Angela Amos, research assistant and former Health Careers Bridge student; Sandra Underwood, RN, PhD, FAAN, Rhonda Powell, HCOP Bridges to the Future Program; Meagen Bell, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Workstudy Program; Lilliann Paine, former Health Careers Bridge student, McNair Scholars Program.

One week after the American Cancer Society released Wisconsin Facts and Figures 2003–2004, the first-ever profile of Wisconsin’s “burden of cancer,” nursing students from southeastern Wisconsin gathered to explore firsthand the scope of practice of oncology nurses. Responding to an invitation to participate in the 19th Annual Nursing Student Cancer Conference, 65 students from area colleges and universities were afforded an opportunity to meet and interact with oncology nurses from Froedtert Hospital (Milwaukee), Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin (Milwaukee), All Saints Medical Center (Racine), and the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee, who practice in inpatient, outpatient, community, and academic settings and specialized in medical and surgical hematology and oncology, radiation oncology, bone marrow transplant, pediatric oncology, survivorship, palliative care, and cancer prevention and early detection.

During the course of the conference, the nurse facilitators presented an overview of the statewide trends in cancer incidence and mortality and discussed the relationships between lifestyle behaviors and cancer risk (e.g., exercise, weight control, alcohol consumption, tobacco consumption, cancer screening, physical examination). They shared video documentaries produced by ONS that highlighted the state of oncology nursing. They shared first-hand accounts of the experience of cancer. Students were given the opportunity to visit the inpatient, outpatient, and diagnostic units of Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital and Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, where oncology nurses shared their most challenging and most rewarding experiences from their practice. And, prior to the close of the conference, students were given information on volunteer, internship, externship, preceptor, and employment opportunities in oncology nursing available through Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital, Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, the American Cancer Society, and the Milwaukee affiliate of the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

The 19th Annual Nursing Student Cancer Conference, supported by Froedtert Hospital, Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, the American Cancer Society, and the Milwaukee affiliate of the Susan G. Komen Foundation, aimed to provide area students with an opportunity to explore first-hand the breadth of oncology nursing. Comments received from the student participants suggest that this, and much more, was accomplished: “Today’s experience was awesome! It was a real calling for me. I realize now, more than before, the difference I can make as an oncology nurse. For me, the program has made a world of difference!” “Excellent conference. Now I’m hooked on oncology nursing! Thanks!” “Thanks! Where can I sign up? I want to get involved now!”

Endless Opportunities

Opportunities for students to become involved in oncology nursing practice, education, research, or advocacy are endless. However, if you are truly interested, you must make an investment and take the first step!

If you are interested in getting involved in the practice of oncology nursing, check your local hospitals, cancer centers, clinics, and community centers. Many have internship, externship, preceptor, employment, and volunteer opportunities in inpatient, outpatient, and diagnostic laboratory settings. Keep in mind, student nurses are almost always among the “preferred applicants” for these positions!

If you are interested in getting involved in oncology nursing research, seek out faculty, cancer centers, hospitals, or companies who are actively studying cancer epidemiology, oncology nursing interventions, pharmaceuticals, or biomedical equipment. Many have positions for student assistants, research assistants, and volunteers. Many of these positions are salaried or offer course credit.

Or, if you are interested in getting involved in community education and/or advocacy, just pick up the phone and call your local American Cancer Society, Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation affiliate, or ONS chapter.