Oncology nurse....scared about infertility?

[crazychef121]

Hello,

I have been a nurse for about 1 year and I have been working in an Oncology infusion center for about 4 months. I was not aware of the side effects of chemotherapy exposure until I got the job..and it scares me. I am 21 and would like to have kids in the future (5-7 years) and I am mostly worried about infertility. I love the job, but Im worried. I always use gloves when administering and only got a small amount on my hand once by accident. THe thing that concerns me MOST is that we usually mix our own chemo. when the pharmacist is unavailable and I know this puts a greater risk to exposure. I do always wear a gown and chemo gloves. Does anyone have any information about this? Should I be concerned? Is there anything else I can do to protect myself? Should I make an appointmeny w/my gyn to discuss the issues?

Thanks in advance for your replies!

[iluvivt, BSN, RN]

I would be more concerned about the mixing than the administering, Are you mixing using a biologic hood and are you wearing a mask. There are strict guidelines for all these procedures. Tell us how specifically you are mixing?

[blondy2061h, MSN, RN]

We don't mix our own chemotherapies at all. Ever.

I'm more concerned about ending up with some kind of cancer myself from the chemo than infertility, however. It may be because I'm not really interested in having kids anyways, though.

[changeofpaceRN]

I don't mean to butt in on your post but you are probably going to be interested in my question as well..

Working in oncology you are exposed to chemo and those are actively receiving radiation. Radiation is emitted from patients (not sure how much or for how long) and I was wondering if that could hinder pregnancy or fertility as well?

I was pregnant during my nursing clinicals and one of the rooms had a sign outside saying something like "radiation exposure- do not enter if you are pregnant" and my teacher made sure I stayed away from the room. The patient had just received radiation therapy the day before but was in there for something unrelated.

Anyway, I'm considering a position in an oncology office where they administer chemo and patients get radiation at an outside location. I wonder if this kind of job is NOT for those looking to be pregnant in the near future.. I think I'd be really happy there but I don't want to expose any unborn child to unnecessary exposures:uhoh21: Then again, how about VRE, MRSA, measles ect found in the hospitals- so much for protecting yourself..

Any studies, links or info regarding this topic? Thanks.

[lchrist2]

I am currently working on an oncology unit, and when receiving oncology training they said the radiation one recieves orally (usually the patients in the secured rooms for a couple days that are radioactive) are equivalent to standing outside under the sun even yet you recieve more radiation exposure on an airplane

[carol72]

I can't answer your question but can give you more info.

The ONS has a webcourse titled "Safe Handling of Hazardous Drugs", which I am told is excellent.

www.ons.org/CNEcentral

Best Wishes

[marslarks]

hmm..when i prepare and mix chemo drugs i wear gloves and mask..i dont have an apron though..but sometimes i have some on my hands..im not realy afraid..however your concerns are kinda scaring me..but i love doing chemos so it doesnt really bother me too much..

[blondy2061h, MSN, RN]

hmm..when i prepare and mix chemo drugs i wear gloves and mask..i dont have an apron though..but sometimes i have some on my hands..im not realy afraid..however your concerns are kinda scaring me..but i love doing chemos so it doesnt really bother me too much..

You guys mix your own chemos? That would really scare me. Our pharmacist mixes ours under a hood. We have special chemo gloves we wear for hanging chemo, plus we're suppose to wear a gown. Failing the special chemo gloves, ONS says you need to double glove, with the first pair of gloves going under your gown sleeves and the second going over them.