possible chemo exposure?

[nursing81student]

I am a nurse aide that floats to 5 differents hospitals and different units throughout one health system. I have been working as an aide for 2 years and will begin nursing school this winter. Last night I worked on an oncology floor, and was told a certain patient was receiving chemo and to practice chemo precautions. I have never been educated/trained about chemo or chemo precautions before. I was told to double glove when handling his urine and to double flush. I emptied this patients urinal twice during my shift, and after thinking about it on my way home I realized I did not double glove and used just 1 pair of regular gloves. I did thoroughly and vigorously wash my hands after. How dangerous is this? I feel stupid and very naive now that I have came on here and read posts about nurses wearing special gowns/gloves and wearing a mask when emptying urinals/bedpans/commodes. I was not aware until today of how dangerous the body fluids of patients receiving chemo can be. Now I am worrying that I exposed myself to chemo.

[blondy2061h, MSN, RN]

Since you only dumped it twice, it was in the urinal, and presumably never touched you and you had gloves on- not very dangerous.

[casi, ASN, RN]

You can always give a call to occupational health. They would be able to answer your questions and refer you to resources if you are at risk due to any potential exposures.

[Leanne62499]

Do not panic! If the urine did not get in contact with your skin, there is no problem. It also depends on what type of chemo (drug) and when did the patient receive chemo. Most precautions need to be taken for the first 48 hrs. Double gloving is a precaution just in case one glove has defects, and the chemo may get in contact with the skin. Washing your hands thoroughly was a great thing...so really do not worry! You are fine!