New to chemotherapy...concerned about exposure risk...

SoldierNurse22, BSN, RN · Feb 21, 2013

Follow protocol. I am also a WOCBA (woman of childbearing age). Plenty of my coworkers are also WOCBAs. The risk of exposure is essentially eliminated if you take the proper precautions.

Tobygo2 · Mar 23, 2013

Ensure you wear PPE and double glove if you wish. As long as all safety measures are taken you should be just fine.

KelRN215, BSN, RN · Mar 23, 2013

Take the proper precautions and you will be fine. I've known people who've given chemo throughout their pregnancies.

KarenJordan · Mar 23, 2013

Use your PPE. On most units I've worked on, when you start trying to conceive or become pregnant, unit manager will change your assignment so you aren't administering chemo.

OCNRN63, RN · Mar 28, 2013

I am new to administration of chemotherapy and am concerned about risk of exposure and possible detrimental health effects of administration - I am of childbearing years and may want to have more children. We have pharmacy mix the chemo in a special hood and all chemo comes with tubing already primed...I have taken the ONS class and have been provided with PPE (gowns, gloves, splash guard mask, etc.). Is there any words of wisdom from nurses already doing this therapy or anything else I can do to minimize my risk?

If you took the chemo provider course and have PPE, follow appropriate precautions, you should be fine. There is a certain degree risk with handling chemo, that's why it's imperative that you pay strict attention to what you are doing when you are handling medications.

If you are anxious, perhaps reviewing safe handling would be in order.