38316 Chemotherapy Medications Part 1

Course overview

According to the Oncology Nursing Society (ONS), oncology nurses who receive specialized education and training contribute to increased patient safety for patients receiving chemotherapy and biotherapy. The ONS position statement regarding nursing education related to chemotherapy and biotherapy includes that “all introductory and annual competency reassessment programs developed for RNs administering chemotherapy and biotherapy include current and evidence-based content regarding: types, classifications, and routes of administration of chemotherapy and biotherapy agents, pharmacology of chemotherapeutic and immunologic agents in cancer care, chemotherapy and radiotherapy protectants, process to ensure patient safety, and patient and family education on chemotherapy and biotherapy side effects and related symptom management.” Due to the complexity of cancer and chemotherapeutic agents, side effects of treatments, and advances in medications and treatments, oncology nurses must remain educated regarding all facets of caring for oncology patients in order for the best patient outcomes to be achieved.