Oncology Nurse Advisor’s Post

Nursing Residencies: A Valuable Start or Unnecessary Hurdle? As healthcare evolves, more hospitals offer nurse residency programs to support new nurses in transitioning from academia to practice. These programs, lasting 6 months to a year, provide structured learning, mentorship, and real-world experience. But are they the right path for every nurse? Pros of Nursing Residencies: 1. Structured Support and Mentorship Residency programs pair new nurses with experienced clinicians for guidance, easing the steep learning curve. 2. Skill Development Nurses apply academic knowledge in real-world settings, gaining hands-on experience in a protected environment. 3. Specialty Training Residencies in areas like critical care, oncology, or pediatrics help nurses specialize early in their careers. 4. Improved Retention Programs reduce turnover by providing support, improving career satisfaction, and decreasing burnout. 5. Building Confidence The extended transition helps nurses build confidence in patient care and decision-making. Cons of Nursing Residencies: 1. Longer Time to Full Autonomy Some nurses may feel delayed in gaining full autonomy, which can be frustrating. 2. Potentially Lower Pay Some residency programs offer lower pay during the training period, which varies by institution. 3. Commitment Most residencies require a 1-2 year commitment, which could limit flexibility for nurses seeking other opportunities. 4. Limited Availability Residency programs are not available everywhere, especially in rural areas or smaller hospitals. “Pearls” for Nurses Considering Residency Programs: 1. Evaluate Your Learning Style If you thrive in a structured environment, a residency might be ideal for your growth. 2. Long-Term Career Benefits Completing a residency often better prepares nurses for advancement and makes them more competitive. 3. Ask About Program Details Always inquire about mentorship quality, specialty opportunities, and post-residency commitments. 4. Job Security Many programs guarantee employment post-residency, providing job security in a competitive field. 5. Community Building Being part of a cohort provides emotional and professional support during the early stages of your career. Conclusion: Nursing residencies are a valuable option for new graduates seeking structure, mentorship, and long-term growth. However, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons—such as pay, autonomy, and commitment—against your personal career goals. Have you completed or considered a nursing residency program? Share your experience and advice in the comments! #NursingResidency #NurseCareer #NurseMentorship #CareerGrowth #NurseDevelopment #NewGradNurse

𝐍𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐥𝐮𝐦𝐧𝐢 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐟𝐢𝐥𝐞 Graduates from our Nursing program have gone on to do incredible things. We will be highlighting some of their journeys over the next few weeks. To learn more about the Nursing program, which includes enrollment in the fall or the spring, visit www.swtc.edu/nursing. #SWTCProud 𝐁𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐬 𝐋𝐮𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐇𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐨𝐰𝐧: I grew up in Shullsburg, Wisconsin. 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐝𝐢𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐮𝐚𝐭𝐞? I graduated in the spring of 2018. 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐧𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠? I chose nursing because of the variety of career opportunities that exist within the profession. There are so many medical specialties to choose from. Nursing also offers great opportunities for education and career advancement. It's also a really fun and rewarding career. 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐝𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤? I currently work as an RN for UW Health Med Flight on their Pediatric and Neonatal Transport Team. 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐝𝐢𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐰𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡 𝐞𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐩 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐧𝐨𝐰? I feel that the majority of nursing skills are developed during interactions with patients and time spent in various clinical settings. Southwest Tech places a great emphasis on clinical experience, and they facilitated some really great opportunities for me to develop new skills. This definitely set me up for success upon graduation. 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐝𝐢𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐞𝐧𝐣𝐨𝐲 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐚𝐭 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐰𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡/𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞? I had a great experience at Southwest Tech. I really enjoyed the balance of classroom and clinical time, and I had the opportunity to learn from many fantastic nurses. The experience was really invaluable. 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐚𝐝𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐝𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐟𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧? My advice for anyone who is interested in nursing is to look into shadow opportunities at local hospitals or care centers. I think there are still a lot of misconceptions about the roles and responsibilities of nurses, so this will offer some valuable insight. If you do choose to enter the profession, definitely consider pediatrics. Kids are the best!

What are Psychedelic Nurses? Psychedelic nursing goes beyond the hospital ward, creating spaces where healing and self-discovery flourish. It’s a mix of science, empathy, and a touch of magic—making every day extraordinary. Psychedelic nurses are registered nurses (RNs) who have specialized training to work with psychoactive substances such as ibogaine, ketamine or MDMA. At Beond we believe that this holistic approach may well be the future of the Western mental healthcare system. Unlike traditional nursing, the role of a psychedelic nurse is multifaceted, involving clinical, psychological, and emotional support responsibilities tailored to the individual needs of each patient. What do Psychedelic Nurses do? Before a psychedelic therapy session, they are responsible for ensuring that all safety and health prerequisites are met. This includes a thorough assessment of the patient’s medical history and current health status to ascertain their suitability for psychedelic treatment. Nurses prepare the therapeutic space to ensure it is comfortable and calming, helping to ease the patient into the experience with reassurance and trust. During the session, nurses monitor the patient’s vital signs and psychological state. Their training allows them to recognize and respond to both physical and emotional shifts, such as managing anxiety, offering reassurance, or providing a comforting presence by holding a hand if permission is given prior. Perhaps one of the most critical roles of a psychedelic nurse comes after the initial psychedelic therapy session. Alongside coaches & therapists, psychedelic nurses assist patients through the integration phase by helping to articulate their experiences and they may even offer strategies to incorporate these insights into their daily lives if appropriate. As the field of psychedelic medicine continues to evolve, the expertise and compassionate approach of these nurses will be essential in shaping its future, ensuring treatments are not only effective but also safe and deeply transformative. #psychedelicnursing #psychedelicnurse #psychedelictherapy

I am excited to share that our scoping review, "Factors That Influence the Clinical Supervision Implementation for Nurses: A Scoping Review," has just been published in The Journal of Advanced Nursing! 🎉📚 While clinical supervision may offer numerous benefits, these can only be realised if the practice is effectively implemented and integrated into the nursing workforce. In our review, we mapped the available evidence to the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) to identify essential determinants and gaps in implementation evidence. Healthcare services and policy developers can utilise our review to recognise and address potential challenges in introducing, modifying, scaling up, or sustaining their clinical supervision implementation. Read the full review here: Ryu, H., Buus, N., Naccarella, L.,Zarb, L., & Hamilton, B. (2024). Factors that influence the clinical supervision implementation for nurses: A scoping review. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 00, 1–14. https://lnkd.in/geVYCgVH

The healthcare landscape in the United States has grappled with a severe nursing shortage for several years, and West Texas is no exception. This shortage poses a significant challenge, but by understanding its roots, we can begin to devise effective solutions. A waning interest in the nursing profession poses another significant hurdle. Factors such as negative perceptions about work-life balance and the emotional toll of the job deter potential candidates from pursuing nursing careers. In the Permian Basin, a unique challenge exists—a scarcity of entry-level positions. Without these foundational roles, aspiring nurses struggle to gain the necessary experience and skills to advance in their careers, which further contributes to the regional shortage. Collaborations between healthcare institutions and educational entities can boost interest in nursing. Scholarship programs, field experiences, and training workshops can attract new talent and provide a clearer pathway into the profession. Some regions have successfully introduced initiatives to create more entry-level nursing positions. By offering roles that allow for skill development and career progression, healthcare facilities can maintain a steady influx of motivated nursing professionals. In the Permian Basin, certain healthcare establishments have made strides toward addressing entry-level position shortages. For example, Midland Health implemented a residency program for new graduates, providing hands-on training and mentorship to ease the transition from student to professional nurse. While the challenges are significant, so is the resolve of those committed to strengthening the nursing workforce in West Texas. With dedicated efforts to nurture and retain talent, we can build a robust healthcare system that supports not only the community's well-being but also the professional growth of every nurse. Together, we can ensure that those with the skill and passion for nursing choose not only to stay in the field but also to make West Texas their home. https://lnkd.in/gTg4VJS7

Are you constantly striving to be the best nurse you can be? Nursing leader Nikki Karash recommends "Learn every day! Healthcare is constantly changing and so should we." Discover more about her story and get her top three tips for new nurses in our latest blog. ⬇️ 🌟 #LifelongLearning #PediatricNursing #CareOptionsForKids

Meet Manda L. DiRubbo! Specialty Transition Manda L. DiRubbo, BA, BSN, RN changed specialties from emergency to research nursing. She explained, "I was a good candidate for the position, having come from the chaos of an Emergency Department. Therefore, I was well equipped to deal with a constantly changing environment, serve patients at a vulnerable time in their lives, and handle unexpected adverse events or protocol deviations." The pandemic, her experiences working with research, and an Emergency Department (ED) physician helped inspire her Manda to make this specialty change. Overcoming Challenges: The difficult part was getting an initial interview for this research position in oncology, since she was not coming directly from an oncology background.  Manda explained, "I was fortunate enough to work with a great ED doctor who not only wrote an outstanding letter of recommendation highlighting my treatment of oncology patients in an emergency setting but also praised my nursing skills and use of evidence-based practice. I appreciated his support and encouragement during the transition." Her Advice to Nurses Interested in Changing Specialties: "My advice would be to go for it! The field of nursing is growing, we are being recognized for so many other talents and abilities when it comes to changing various fields of healthcare. I loved being an ED nurse; it was a passion, and I felt confident in and excelled in it. But now, I also love research oncology nursing. You won't know what areas of nursing you will love until you explore them. Sometimes, you just have to take a chance on change." #NJCCN #NJNURSING #NJNURSE #NJRN #NURSING #NJHEALTHCARE #HEALTHCARE #REGISTEREDNURSE #HEALTHCAREWORKERS #RESEARCHNURSING #RESEARCHRN #EDRN #EMERGENCYNURSE #EMERGENCYRN #NURSESPECIALTY Would you like to be featured in our next nurse spotlight? Tell us about your nursing career. How did you begin your career? Tell us how you progressed in your career or transitioned to a new role or specialty. Did one of your peers help you along the way? Tell us your story! https://lnkd.in/e_z4_Tme

New nurses want variety (and how to deliver it). Retention is the holy grail in nursing right now. Part of the problem is that new grad nurses rarely have much say in what unit or shift they start working on. Most of us started on the night shift and on medical-surgical units (even if our passions lie in other specialty areas). After gaining a year of experience (or sometimes less!), many of us jump ship to the first opportunity we come across on the day shift and/or in our specialty of choice. There's a growing trend in nursing that we can no longer ignore: Young nurses want variety – both in schedules and in experience. I speak to hospitals every single day, and a strategy gaining traction is rotational programs for new nurses. Some hospitals offer new grads the chance to rotate through multiple specialty areas over 2 - 3 years. Spend a few months in the ICU, then rotate to labor and delivery, and maybe even try out oncology or pediatrics. The goal? To give nurses a well-rounded experience while retaining them in the organization for longer. We recently hosted a dinner with the New York Organization for Nursing Leadership, and this topic came up. Nurse leaders called it "grasshopper jumping"—the desire for early-career nurses to explore different care areas and avoid getting stuck in one unit too soon. The health systems that recognize this trend and provide opportunities for internal mobility will be ahead of the curve. Retention can no longer be a unit-based strategy. It needs to be an organizational strategy and a team sport. With M7 Health, hospitals can see this shift happening in real-time. Our platform helps health systems gather insights into their staff's preferences and proactively plan rotations to meet the hospital’s needs and individual goals. By understanding where nurses want to work, M7 helps managers craft experiences that keep new hires happy and ensure the hospital is safely staffed. Hospitals can retain early-in-career talent with proactive planning and personalization. Health systems that embrace this need for diversity in experience will be the ones that thrive. New nurses want flexibility and variety. It's time to deliver it.

Are Nurses Heroes / Heroines? Being a nurse is so much more than medication rounds, IV’s, and vital sign checks. There’s a side to nursing that may be overlooked--and often invisible. It's the emotional labour of holding space for patients and families during life's most vulnerable times. Imagine the quiet strength it takes to sit with a grieving family, offering comfort and a listening ear in the face of unimaginable loss – and loss comes in many forms. It may be the death of someone; it could be a diagnosis that alters the path of that person’s life forever. 🏥Nurses explain complex medical jargon in a way that eases anxiety and maneuver difficult family dynamics with patience and diplomacy. They advocate fiercely for their patient's needs, even when those needs are met with resistance from other overworked healthcare team members. They carry the invisible weight of responsibility that comes with caring for another human life. This requires a solid scientific knowledge base, immense emotional intelligence, resilience, and deep empathy. 💊These unseen aspects of nursing can leave deep marks on nurses. Some marks are negative scarring … other marks are positive reminders such as “I made a difference today.”  Nurses are the ones who stay late to hold a frightened child's hand during a procedure, who check in on lonely patients with a kind word and a warm smile, and who celebrate small victories with patients on the long road to recovery. Coming on shift in a snowstorm, they are the ones who bring Tim Hortons coffee to residents in nursing homes. They are the ones who inject humour to help patients and families navigate unknown healthcare uncertainties. They are the ones who bear witness to the human experience in all its complexity, offering support and a steady presence through joy, pain, fear, and hope. 💡While some nurses support the idea that they are the backbone of the healthcare system, others do not. Nurses have been called heroes. Some nurses do not like that label; they do not feel what they do is heroic. If you are a nurse reading this, what does heroism mean to you? If you are not a nurse, what are your thoughts on heroism in nursing?