Is it safe to be on an onco unit while pregnant?

Fiona59 · Jan 22, 2005

Never worked while I was pregnant, but I do know that handling the drugs was a big issue with my nurse manager. She didn't like anyone of childbearing age touching them without gloves on. Believe it or not we had a lot of cancer drugs in LTC, and even there the meds were an issue with preg. nurses.

My attitudes always been better safe than sorry..

Look at it like they want to do whats best for you and the baby.

Nesher, BSN, RN · Jan 23, 2005

I have worked on an oncology unit for years - lots of pregnant staff. The difference is they don't give chemo - as a nursing student you wouldn't be anyway. I don't know what the hospitals P& P on dealing with chemo waste - we gown glove and mask which would be appropriate in your case - the number of days they received it- chemo dose - how is cleared etc. You also need to avoid patients with radiation implants and certain infectious diseases, but don't avoid the oncology floor because of these small issues!

TLC0716 · Jan 23, 2005

I've worked in oncology for 8 years; had three children while working there. As previously said, you won't be handling chemo, but would need to use universal precautions when handling urine/stool/vomit etc.

You need to avoid patients with active CMV virus; which the nursing staff at the hospital would be able to arranged. It's not a danger at all for you to be on the unit.

Relax and go with whatever your instructors feel is best for you.

Good luck and feel good!

I'm a senior nursing student and I'm 15 weeks pregnant. I went to my first clinical today and found out I'm on an oncology unit. My instructor says that I'm limited in what I can do because of my pregnancy. Yet, I saw a pregnant nurse working on the floor.
I'm wondering if any of you know the limitations? Have you worked with chemo patients through your pregnancy? Am I safe or not (better yet, is my baby safe)? Am I better off being moved to another floor (which is what my instructor said they may want to do)?
Of course, I'm also going to consult my OB, but was curious what everyone thinks.
Any advice/information would be greatly appreciated - thanks!

mermette · Jan 27, 2005

Thanks to everyone for their replies. I have received the OK from my OB to proceed - I'm to avoid handling chemo (which I'm aware I can't do anyway - although, someday I'd like to) and I can't work with radiation patients. Otherwise, it's standard precautions. I'm going ahead and will take care with both myself and my baby! I'm really excited to be able to stay on the floor - I'm interested in oncology and the nurses are overjoyed to have students on the floor with them which will be nice change (but that's another dicussion entirely).

Thanks again to all the responded!