Chemo concerns

[jac]

Hi. I'm new to this site...and new to Oncology nursing. I have been a RN for 4 years this summer. My experience has been mainly in office nursing. I just accepted a position in an office where I will be learning to mix and administer chemo from a RN who has been certified in this area. However, I'm not sure what the legal requirements are regarding me mixing and administering the drugs. I'm afraid my training will be too short and I will be required to begin doing this on my own within 1-2 weeks. I don't think I'm comfortable with this. Any suggestions on what I should or shouldn't do?

Thanks in advance,

jac

[Pfhol]

Originally posted by jac:

Hi. I'm new to this site...and new to Oncology nursing. I have been a RN for 4 years this summer. My experience has been mainly in office nursing. I just accepted a position in an office where I will be learning to mix and administer chemo from a RN who has been certified in this area. However, I'm not sure what the legal requirements are regarding me mixing and administering the drugs. I'm afraid my training will be too short and I will be required to begin doing this on my own within 1-2 weeks. I don't think I'm comfortable with this. Any suggestions on what I should or shouldn't do?

Thanks in advance,

jac

I recommend you obtain as much training as possible. This is a very serious area of practice which requires adequate knowledge to maintain safe practice. Join the Oncology Nursing Society, a professional body of oncology nurses. They provide a wealth of information on safe administration of cytotoxic drugs. Look for a CNS in Oncology in your area. Any major medical center should have a certification class for safe administration of cytotoxic drugs. Good luck.