What the Biotherapy Course is lacking

Specialties Oncology

Published

My name is Nicole. I am an Oncology Nurse in the mountains of North Carolina. Our small hospital is working on a competency for nurses that would like to be chemo certified. I am taking the project on and I would like some feedback since our hospital currently only has 4 chemo nurses. The new Biotherapy course is online now and there is no classroom part. My question is this: As an Oncology Nurse, what do you think nurges new to hanging chemo need to know that the new course does not provide.

Thanks in advance!

allnurses Guide

herring_RN, ASN, BSN

3,651 Posts

Specializes in Critical care, tele, Medical-Surgical.

The Oncology Nursing Society position statement includes, "Didactic learning must be followed by the successful completion of a clinical practicum under the auspices of an RN's institution or supporting agency."

I'm not chemo certified and don't give it, but agree with the society. Experience is needed for any specialty.

Here is their position statement:

Didactic learning must be followed by the successful completion of a clinical practicum under the auspices of an RN's institution or supporting agency.

Tenebrae, BSN, RN

1,951 Posts

Specializes in Mental Health, Gerontology, Palliative.

I would not consider a course like that without a strong practical component. Its a therapy that can have some fairly major side effects when its done right. Cold chills imagining what could happen if the nurse makes a mistake

Do new nurses have the opportunity to orientate to the unit prior to being let loose on their own?

Home Health Columnist / Guide

NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN

10 Articles; 18,277 Posts

Specializes in Vents, Telemetry, Home Care, Home infusion.

[h=3]ONS/ONCC Chemotherapy Biotherapy Certificate Course ...[/h]

Is This Course Right for You?

The course is intended for nurses who have knowledge of cancer basics and are in a position to regularly administer chemotherapy and biotherapy. It builds on a foundation of cancer knowledge, with the learner earning a certificate of added qualification upon successful completion. It is not an introductory program. If you do not need an extensive chemotherapy education, or are looking for more basic information, consider Cancer Basics, Cancer Biology, Chemotherapy Basics, Chemo in Non-Oncology Settings, and Chemo for Non-Oncology Conditions to provide you with a cancer and chemotherapy foundation.

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