Hazardous Drugs: Decreasing Exposure and Increasing Safety

Course overview

Occupational exposure to hazardous drugs in the environment is a potential risk for healthcare workers. The types of drugs, formulation, and a drugs toxicity profile impact the likelihood of harm. Activities that increase the possibility of exposure include medication preparation (compounding), medication administration, and patient care. Nurses and the organizations where they work are responsible for mitigating the risks associated with hazardous drugs. This course provides an overview of the potential dangers in the work environment, engineering controls, administrative controls, and the appropriate personal protective equipment organizations must establish to protect healthcare workers. The goal of this course is to provide nurses with an overview of hazardous drug exposure and prevention strategies to lessen the risk.