Nursing at BC Cancer: 8 month in

When you say ‘Oncology’ all that comes into my mind is a quick review session for my NCLEX, which is the case for most of us. The truth is, we don’t get exposure to oncology in nursing school, or at least I didn’t. Which made me want to test the waters out even more.

Okay so fast forward to moving to Vancouver and checking out BC Cancer. First off environment and culture are two huge deciding factors for me. I want to be able to bike to work, to walk to work. To enjoy my tea breaks accompanied with a whole foods power muffin and most importantly a double shot on ice with a dash of macadamia milk :) Anyways, you get the point it's a beautiful environment and it hit all the marks

So, I landed the job in a place I never thought I would ever come across. My colleague asks me, “so Priya, how are you liking the gig?” the truth is Oncology is phenomenal but...emotionally taxing.

Don’t get me wrong, being able to follow patients along their cancer journeys is a privilege. How beautiful it is to see the smile on your patient’s face as they ring the big golden bell, that they have finished their treatment. I’ve never met anyone who values their life more than Cancer patients. The fast-paced environment of an inpatient unit with trachs, chest tubes, drug reactions, codes, and of course Chemo running frequently is an amazing opportunity for building skill sets. 
But that isn't the hard part.

The hard part is trying to control the pain crises.

The hard part is watching families care and comfort their loved ones, whilst tears stream down their faces trying to hold it all together.

The hard part is knowing your patient has been fighting for years and now you’re having difficult conversations with them that their cancer is now terminal.

The hard part is when you really mesh with a patient of yours and now due to your similarities, it makes it even harder.

Oncology is hard. It is not for everyone, but that’s not to say it isn't worth it. Alongside the difficulty comes such beauty. We never truly know until we give it a shot. If you ever contemplate a speciality, go for it; this is your one opportunity.

Yours truly,

ppk