Nurses must
be specially trained in order to administer chemotherapy drugs.
Proper administration of drugs is very important to the success of treatment for a cancer patient. Nurses working in oncology must be trained to ensure that chemotherapy is properly administered and patients cared for appropriately.
Administering Chemotherapy
Only register nurses who have documented competencies in oncology care can administer chemotherapy, according to the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center. Nurses must be certified to monitor patients receiving chemotherapy as well. Nurses are expected to educate patients and their families on the purpose, management, administration and side effects of chemotherapy. Nurses monitor vital signs and notify physicians of any abnormalities.
Handling Chemotherapy Drugs
Safety precautions must be taken when handling chemotherapeutic waste along with patient excreta and vomit. Nurses must wear gloves, goggles and gowns. All waste related to the chemotherapy patient must be discarded in chemo-safe containers. If a nurse's gown, gloves or goggles become soiled, she should dispose of them and re-dress in new protective gear.
Standard Equipment
Before administering and monitoring chemotherapy, a nurse should have chemo-safe Latex gloves, a chemo safety gown, caution stickers to alert people to the presence of chemotherapeutic waste, a chemotherapy waste bag, and goggles. Disposable bedpans, urinals and clean linens should also be at hand.
Tags: Nurses must, administer chemotherapy, chemotherapeutic waste, gloves goggles
