3 answers
Kaitlin
Student
Midwest City, Oklahoma
1
Question
Updated
1082 views
How do I know working as an Oncology nurse won't affect me mentally or if it's even right for me #Fall25?
I know I will get to experience different specialties in nursing school and get a taste of what I may like or not like to work in. I lost my mom to ovarian cancer. I am currently on my educational ride towards my nursing career. I really feel like I would love working in oncology because I will be able to relate and connect with my patients. Many people say it would make not having my mom around even harder. Should I look for a different path instead of oncology, or consider a different specialty? What all can I expect in the day and the life of an Oncology nurse compared to a different specialty? #Fall25
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3 answers
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
1185
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hi Kaitlin,
This is a really intelligent question, and it already shows to me that you're approaching your job with self-awareness and emotional intelligence, which are very beneficial in the nursing field.
The truthful, realistic response is that, although oncology nursing can be emotionally taxing, it is not always harmful and, for others, it is incredibly fulfilling and nourishing. You are not disqualified by your mother's passing; rather, it teaches you. "How do I metabolize hard experiences?" is the more important question than "Will this be hard?" because it will be.
An oncology nurse's typical workday involves giving chemotherapy, controlling side effects, educating patients and their families, keeping an eye on symptoms, and developing enduring relationships with patients. Oncology can be slower, relationship-driven, and emotionally intense than fast-paced specialties like the ER or ICU. Walking with patients can take months or even years. Remission, resiliency, and moments of exceptional human connection coexist with loss.
People suffer when their personal grief is not processed or when they feel accountable for uncontrollable consequences. Individuals thrive when they:
- Have strong emotional boundaries (empathy without over-identification)
- Use support systems (therapy, peer debriefing, supervision)
- Can find meaning without carrying every outcome home
Don't rule out cancer, but don't jump right in. That's my strategic advise. During clinical rotations, observe not only your compassion but also your after-shift energy. Do I feel exhausted yet in line with my beliefs, or do I feel depleted in a way that is unhealthy? That distinction is important.
Additionally, be aware that many nurses begin in one specialization before changing careers. Careers in nursing are portfolio-based rather than lifetime. Instead of being a sentence, oncology may be a chapter.
In summary, if you combine your lived experience with self-awareness, boundaries, and support, it can become a strength rather than a pain. Remain inquisitive rather than afraid. You're asking the proper questions, and that's precisely how long-term careers are developed.
Best wishes!
This is a really intelligent question, and it already shows to me that you're approaching your job with self-awareness and emotional intelligence, which are very beneficial in the nursing field.
The truthful, realistic response is that, although oncology nursing can be emotionally taxing, it is not always harmful and, for others, it is incredibly fulfilling and nourishing. You are not disqualified by your mother's passing; rather, it teaches you. "How do I metabolize hard experiences?" is the more important question than "Will this be hard?" because it will be.
An oncology nurse's typical workday involves giving chemotherapy, controlling side effects, educating patients and their families, keeping an eye on symptoms, and developing enduring relationships with patients. Oncology can be slower, relationship-driven, and emotionally intense than fast-paced specialties like the ER or ICU. Walking with patients can take months or even years. Remission, resiliency, and moments of exceptional human connection coexist with loss.
People suffer when their personal grief is not processed or when they feel accountable for uncontrollable consequences. Individuals thrive when they:
- Have strong emotional boundaries (empathy without over-identification)
- Use support systems (therapy, peer debriefing, supervision)
- Can find meaning without carrying every outcome home
Don't rule out cancer, but don't jump right in. That's my strategic advise. During clinical rotations, observe not only your compassion but also your after-shift energy. Do I feel exhausted yet in line with my beliefs, or do I feel depleted in a way that is unhealthy? That distinction is important.
Additionally, be aware that many nurses begin in one specialization before changing careers. Careers in nursing are portfolio-based rather than lifetime. Instead of being a sentence, oncology may be a chapter.
In summary, if you combine your lived experience with self-awareness, boundaries, and support, it can become a strength rather than a pain. Remain inquisitive rather than afraid. You're asking the proper questions, and that's precisely how long-term careers are developed.
Best wishes!
Jo Ann Paparelli
RN
4
Answers
Yulee, Florida
Updated
Jo Ann’s Answer
Dear Kaitlin. Those are wonderful questions. I will do my best to help.
First, please accept my condolences on the loss of your mother.
You are correct. You will have an opportunity to experience several different specialties in nursing school. If it is an option, I would encourage you to try a clinical rotation on an oncology unit.
Your concerns regarding the emotional toll it can take are valid. I was in a similar situation, dealing with the loss of a sibling due to cancer. Like you, I had those concerns prior to accepting a position in hematology oncology. Although it can be emotionally trying, it can also be extremely rewarding. I always found rewards to far outweigh the difficulties. Focus on the positives, and the successes, as there are very many of them. I think you will find your previous life experience will make you a particularly compassionate and understanding caregiver.
Also, you might consider obtaining a position in an outpatient oncology center, rather than inpatient at first, to see how you manage it. Outpatient facilities tend to treat oncology patients who are doing better physically and tolerating their treatments. Generally speaking, inpatient facilities are where more acutely ill patients will be. You can always transition into an inpatient unit.
With that being said, you will learn and grow both personally and professionally in any environment. Working with patients, and helping them along their journey to better health is a wonderful profession.
Finally, each specialty has its own challenges and rewards. I have found settings where the patients are more acutely ill to be particularly physically and emotionally challenging, but far more rewarding. Therefore, those were always my preference. At the end of the day, if you feel good about what you accomplished, then you are in the right position.
Try to visit various units of interest to you for an afternoon. Most directors will welcome the opportunity to show prospective new employees around. Perhaps you can shadow a staff member.
First, please accept my condolences on the loss of your mother.
You are correct. You will have an opportunity to experience several different specialties in nursing school. If it is an option, I would encourage you to try a clinical rotation on an oncology unit.
Your concerns regarding the emotional toll it can take are valid. I was in a similar situation, dealing with the loss of a sibling due to cancer. Like you, I had those concerns prior to accepting a position in hematology oncology. Although it can be emotionally trying, it can also be extremely rewarding. I always found rewards to far outweigh the difficulties. Focus on the positives, and the successes, as there are very many of them. I think you will find your previous life experience will make you a particularly compassionate and understanding caregiver.
Also, you might consider obtaining a position in an outpatient oncology center, rather than inpatient at first, to see how you manage it. Outpatient facilities tend to treat oncology patients who are doing better physically and tolerating their treatments. Generally speaking, inpatient facilities are where more acutely ill patients will be. You can always transition into an inpatient unit.
With that being said, you will learn and grow both personally and professionally in any environment. Working with patients, and helping them along their journey to better health is a wonderful profession.
Finally, each specialty has its own challenges and rewards. I have found settings where the patients are more acutely ill to be particularly physically and emotionally challenging, but far more rewarding. Therefore, those were always my preference. At the end of the day, if you feel good about what you accomplished, then you are in the right position.
Jo Ann recommends the following next steps:
Martin Schoen
APRN
387
Answers
Ocala, Florida
Updated
Martin’s Answer
It's not for everyone. You have to take some time experiencing to know. Many love it and others it is too emotionally taxing especially kids. But the ones that work out well, make it a lifetime love.