new chemo RN hanging chemo without another chemo RN working

[sunshinetoo]

I have been working as an RN for 1 year on an oncology unit where I started as a new grad. There are several of us who started together who they are trying to get chemo trained. Due to poor management the night shift is severely short on experienced chemo nurses- they tried to get travelers to no avail. This comes at the same time they are wanting us to start giving chemo- we have all taken the course. We get new Leuks and hang very serious chemos.

The plan is to spend 1 day with 1 patient and 1 experienced nurse to hang our first chemo. Then next 2 days we have a 3:1 with 1 chemo on our own. The night shift at this point often gives chemo with only 1 chemo nurse on and chemo gets verified with the pharmacist.

How does this compare to other training? And, more importantly to me, should a new chemo nurse potentially be hanging chemo without any other chemo nurses working? Our interim manager does not know anything about chemo- so I would not have anyone to contact with questions/concerns. The policy is for 2 chemo nurses to be working while chemo is hanging but this often does not happen- is this a policy in other places or an OSHA rule or............

Thanks

[NurseRatched67]

The first thing I would do is inquire as to what the hospital's written protocol is for the number of nurses needed during chemo infusions. It's not unusual in this situation for RN's to have to have chemo "signed off" by a pharmacist. This does happen in smaller hospitals where staffing may be an issue.

However if the hosptial has a written policy/procedure and that is not being followed...well that's another issue.

Make sure you know what the actual policies state in writing. If the hospital is not following policy and procedure,then you are risking not only the patient's safety, but also your license.

Speak up and don't be afraid to ask for clarifcation and actually SEE the written policy.

Good Luck!

[ds123]

I have been working as an RN for 1 year on an oncology unit where I started as a new grad. There are several of us who started together who they are trying to get chemo trained. Due to poor management the night shift is severely short on experienced chemo nurses- they tried to get travelers to no avail. This comes at the same time they are wanting us to start giving chemo- we have all taken the course. We get new Leuks and hang very serious chemos.

The plan is to spend 1 day with 1 patient and 1 experienced nurse to hang our first chemo. Then next 2 days we have a 3:1 with 1 chemo on our own. The night shift at this point often gives chemo with only 1 chemo nurse on and chemo gets verified with the pharmacist.

How does this compare to other training? And, more importantly to me, should a new chemo nurse potentially be hanging chemo without any other chemo nurses working? Our interim manager does not know anything about chemo- so I would not have anyone to contact with questions/concerns. The policy is for 2 chemo nurses to be working while chemo is hanging but this often does not happen- is this a policy in other places or an OSHA rule or............

Thanks

Did you have chemo training and get certified? 2 Registered nurses should always check chemo before it is hung. They should be able to pull a more experienced nurse to your shift to assist you. Follow ONS guidelines and stand firm this is ultimately your licenses on the line, your livelihood. Make sure you are following safe nursing practices. Good luck.

[Soneshine]

Let me add to the previous post that the 2 nurses who check chemo, need to both be chemo competent (meaning they've somehow demonstrated competency through their skills being observed by another knowledgable & experienced R.N)

This is my understanding based on ONS guidlines.