Chemotherapy Safe Handling and Administration for Nurses

Chemotherapy remains a cornerstone of cancer treatment, yet its complex handling requirements and potential toxicity present significant safety challenges for healthcare professionals, especially Registered Nurses (RNs). This comprehensive continuing education (CE) course is designed to equip RNs with the necessary knowledge and skills to manage chemotherapy agents safely and effectively, protecting both themselves and their patients.

This course begins by exploring the basics of chemotherapy pharmacology, including classification of agents, mechanisms of action, and associated risks. Participants will learn the proper procedures for safe handling, storage, and disposal of chemotherapeutic drugs in compliance with current OSHA and NIOSH guidelines. Emphasis is placed on personal protective equipment (PPE), spill management, and environmental decontamination to prevent occupational exposure.

Beyond handling protocols, the course delves into nursing care for patients undergoing chemotherapy. Learners will be guided through best practices for monitoring and managing side effects such as nausea, vomiting, mucositis, neutropenia, and neuropathy. Special consideration is given to patients with hepatic impairment, detailing appropriate dose modifications and liver function monitoring to prevent hepatotoxicity.

Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) represent another critical focus. Nurses will learn infection control practices, recognition of early signs of infection, and effective communication with patients and caregivers about infection prevention and symptom reporting. Strategies for implementing antimicrobial stewardship and managing drug-resistant organisms are also covered.

By the end of this course, participants will be able to develop comprehensive nursing care plans that address the holistic needs of oncology patients. They will also be prepared to provide clear patient education on managing symptoms, preventing infections, and coping with the emotional toll of cancer treatment. This knowledge empowers nurses to deliver high-quality, safe, and compassionate oncology care in diverse settings.

Educational Objectives

• Demonstrate knowledge of the safe storage, handling, and disposal of chemotherapy drugs, protecting healthcare providers, patients, and the environment from harmful exposures.
• Develop comprehensive nursing care plans for patients undergoing chemotherapy, addressing nursing diagnoses such as nausea, pain, and risk of infection.
• Recognize the implications of chemotherapy in patients with hepatic impairment and implement strategies for dose adjustments, liver function monitoring, and hepatotoxicity management.
• Describe appropriate measures for preventing healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), including antibiotic stewardship and infection control education for patients and families.
• Implement evidence-based patient education to improve symptom management and treatment adherence in oncology nursing practice.

Who Should Do This Course

This course is specifically designed for:

• Registered Nurses (RNs)
• Nurse Practitioners (NPs)
• Oncology Nurses
• Infusion Nurses
• Critical Care Nurses
• Medical-Surgical Nurses
• Hospice and Palliative Care Nurses
• Geriatric Nurses
• Pediatric Nurses

Nurses practicing in oncology, hematology, hospice, home care, and inpatient settings will find this course particularly valuable.

Did You Know?

• Over 60% of occupational exposure to hazardous drugs occurs during drug preparation and administration. (NIOSH, 2020)
• Neutropenia is one of the most common dose-limiting toxicities of chemotherapy. (ASCO, 2023)
• Up to 20% of patients on chemotherapy experience dose-limiting liver toxicity. (Journal of Clinical Oncology, 2021)
• HAIs affect 1 in 31 hospitalized patients on any given day. (CDC, 2023)
• Use of closed-system transfer devices (CSTDs) has been shown to reduce exposure to hazardous drugs significantly. (USP <800>)