ONS Connect - August 2008 - (Page 17)

UPCLOSE&PROFESSIONAL Returning to Nursing Is Challenging and Rewarding [By Camille A. Servodidio, RN, MPH, CRNO, OCN®, CCRP, Contributing Editor] Lynne Rossier, RN L ynne Rossier, RN, oncology staff RN for Cancer Care Associates in Royal Oak, MI, knows what it’s like to return to nursing after having been away from the profession for some time. After Lynne graduated from nursing school and took her first position in medical oncology, she moved on to administrative and human resources positions for several years before returning to oncology nursing. “For me as a new nurse, IVs were the most difficult skill to pick up, and at one time I had mastered it. When I returned to oncology last year, I had not started an IV or accessed a port in five or six years. This was my biggest roadblock. Fortunately, the skills returned quickly,” Lynne says. “As a new nurse, all tasks seemed overwhelming,” she says. “The key to becoming proficient is to learn procedures from an experienced nurse and understand why a procedure is neces- sary and how to keep the patient safe during the procedure. For example, a sterile environment must be maintained during an oncology procedure.” Lynne’s advice for new nurses is “to maintain interest in learning and to never be afraid to ask for help.” She recalls, “The orientation at Cancer Care Associates is the best I have received, and the environment remains one where growth and education are encouraged. Following completion of the formal orientation, I feel it is important to have a ‘buddy’ or more experienced nurse who can serve as a resource when there are questions or concerns.” Although this is the second time around for Lynne, she stresses that each day is still a learning experience. “Presently I have not had a moment where it all makes sense, but it all becomes clearer every day. Nursing is an occupation where the learning never stops and we can never think that we know it all.” ✱ Contributing Editor Camille A. Servodidio, RN, MPH, CRNO, OCN ®, CCRP, is an RN coordinator/project director for the Connecticut Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program and RN manager for the Hartford Hospital Cancer Clinical Research Office. August 2008 ONS CONNECT 17

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ONS Connect - August 2008 Contents Editor's Note Just In Safe Handling of Chemotherapy A Year in the Life—Month Eight Put Evidence Into Practice to Manage Dyspnea Web Connect Capitol Connection Notice Nursing Now Caregiver Care KRAS Status Predicts Response to Cetuximab for Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Calendar of Events Working for You Staying on Top

ONS Connect - August 2008

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