Learning Lab

In the Learning Lab this month is Denise Sartz, RN, MSN, AOCN^®, FNP-C. She will be discussing the importance of mentoring younger, newer nurses, so that "learners can become leaders."

When I graduated from nursing school in May 1989, I had little knowledge of what the future would hold. I knew that I wanted to be a trauma/flight for life nurse, and I wanted the quickest path to that goal. Thankfully, the nursing shortage was in full swing, and I had my choice of several top-rated hospitals in Denver, CO. The nurse recruiters were stumbling over themselves offering “top pay,” “top benefits,” and an “extensive new nurse orientation program” (some things don’t change in 15 years!). I was quite disappointed to find out that I needed at least one year of medical-surgical experience before I could apply for a position in the emergency room (ER). Then I needed one year of intensive care unit experience after working in the ER to be considered for a flight nursing position. Several openings were available throughout the hospital, but the recruiter suggested that I try the oncology/surgical gynecology floor. I had never worked in oncology, but the hours (evening shift) meant I could avoid the dreaded night shift.

The details of my first year as an oncology nurse still are vivid today. I was so overwhelmed with the task of taking care of acutely ill patients. Indeed, I could write any nursing care plan, but I was not prepared to take care of the intense physical and psychological needs of patients with cancer. The unit held a mixture of patients requiring chemotherapy (outpatient chemotherapy clinics didn’t exist yet!), palliative care, and surgical oncology (when they were still performing pelvic exonerations). Surgical gynecology consisted mainly of taking care of women with fetal demises. It was not unusual to be administering chemotherapy to one patient and inducing labor for a fetal demise in another patient.

The “extensive new graduate nurse orientation program” consisted of six weeks of on-the-job training. Didactic programs and chemotherapy classes were not offered. I was paired with a “seasoned” nurse and learned the ropes hands on. After six weeks of orientation (and learning that I had passed RN boards), I was promoted to charge nurse. Six months later, I was confused, burned out, and depressed, and I hated nursing. Despite my years of hard work and outstanding performance in nursing school, I was disappointed and disheartened. I applied for pharmacy school and had planned on switching careers. Fortunately, I found another nursing position (as a float nurse) that allowed me to gain some much-needed self-confidence, and I opted to stay in nursing. It would be a couple of years before I realized that oncology nursing would be my calling.

I accepted a position on a general oncology/bone marrow transplant unit in Idaho. This time, orientation consisted of didactic classes, chemotherapy courses, learning modules, and an ongoing collaborative relationship with an experienced oncology nurse. My mentor, Carolyn, did more than just help me learn pathophysiology, pharmacology, and chemotherapy administration. She consistently modeled professionalism with her words and actions and taught me to care with my heart, mind, and hands. Equally important, she taught me how to develop professional self-confidence and personal self-worth.

I have been an oncology nurse for 15 years now. I have been fortunate to work with extraordinary nurses who have made a difference in many lives. I continue to seek out highly skilled mentors to guide my career as an oncology nurse practitioner. My mentors help me with difficult patient cases and, more importantly, my continual growth as an oncology professional. For me, being involved in ONS nationally and locally is important. I routinely volunteer to precept nurse practitioner students, assist in health fairs, and speak at national conferences.

I have a profound respect for my profession and the nurses who truly give their hearts and souls to patients with cancer. Oncology nursing has been a journey that has taken me through some of the lowest valleys and highest peaks. Thankfully, I did not travel alone. As you embark on your nursing career, remember to actively seek new challenges with an experienced guide. You will be humbled, inspired, challenged, and respected. Remember to help mentor others as well. Share your gifts of energy, excitement, and love for the nursing profession. I truly believe that every nurse has the potential to evolve from a learner into a leader. As you begin your search for employment, remember to ask the nurse recruiter how their institution mentors new nurses. Salary, benefits, and bonuses are only temporary. Make an investment in your career!