Chemotherapy administration

ASCO-ONS has provided safety guidelines that would be helpful.

Yes, they have been very helpful...thanks for the reply!

I've been nursing for many years but am relatively new to Oncology. Much as I am enjoying my new job giving Chemo is a scary thought (I'm not allowed to touch it until I have done the Chemo course) My maths is not the best and the complex calculations are probably beyond me.

I'm terrified I'll make a mistake.

I think the key is to make sure that you are checking and triple checking the medicaitons and doses. Also, make sure that you are getting another nurse to verify...two sets of eyes are always better than one set.

Two nurses checking is actually a requirement. All chemo has to be signed for by two nurses and two nurses have to go to the bedside to check patient identity etc before hanging it.

Still scares the life out of me. You hear horror stories about mistakes, extravasations and so on.

I've been in oncology for 9 + years and those drugs still scare the heck out of me. As the charge nurse, I review &/or revise our department policy book no less than yearly. You can find excellent resources on the ONS web site and in the chemo/biotherapy handbook. Basically you need to write out what your facility procedures are and turn it into policy. Tip: use should instead of must - as we know, we are human and a MUST is a must and a guideline is a guideline. We have a MUST where it pertains to infusion safety and a few other places. I try not to set people up to fail and use other educational resources to teach new oncology nurses.

Salam

dont forget to check the blood studies. especially SGPT and Billirubin. and some of the studies are specific for different medications. u must be aware of them.

wear double gloves, gown, face mask, eye shield, hair cover and shoe cover. more or over protection is always good and wont hurt.

double check the Dr. orders with the protocol ( if it is available ). calculate all the doses according to the BSA or weight ( depends on each kind of medication ).

NEVER forget the MESNA or the Leucovorin doses that usually follows cyclo/ifosfamide and Methotrexate respectively.

make sure there r a lot of hydration before and after the chemotherapy. if there is none remind the Dr.

thats all what i have in mind so far :)

I have recently become a licensed chemo nurse and inpatient oncology is new to our unit. I would like to know if normal saline was used for hydration alone with 5fu what would be the long term effect to the patient?

We have an oncology department that gives chemotherapy infusions. We are trying to make it safety by having some set policies and procedures. Does anyone have a policy and procedure manaul that they would like to share? Would not like to re-create the wheel if I do not have to. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

Please email me at [email protected]

The Royal Marsden Manuel is something of a bible in the UK:

http://www.royalmarsdenmanual7e.com/

Hello,

I am new to oncology and I am starting to create policies. Please if you have anything you would be willing to share I would greatly appreciate it.

Thanks

Please email me at [email protected]