Do you need to be "Chemo Certified" to give chemo?

Specialties Home Health

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My agency is requiring me to give SQ chemo, 2 shots, 1 in each arm to a new patient. I did get checked off by a chemo nurse as to "technique, precautions, etc". However, I am not chemo certified.

Do I need to be? Or should I be?

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Specializes in COS-C, Risk Management.

Consult your agency's policy and procedure manual, but as a general rule, no, you don't need to be chemo certified.

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Specializes in Oncology/Haemetology/HIV.

No you don't need to be chemo certified. But you should educate yourself regarding the drug that you are giving.

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Most of the 'chemo' drugs being given in the home aren't what traditionally comes to mind when you think chemo. Methotrexate, Cimzia, etal are usually drugs the client could be giving themselves and they often do transition to self care.

I've not felt the need for anything beyond the distributor or manufacturer's training and a current drug book.

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