CHEMOTHERAPY ADMINISTRATION COURSE FOR NURSES c

CHEMOTHERAPY ADMINISTRATION COURSE FOR NURSES
Taught by an Interdisciplinary Team of Faculty Experts
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:
The THREE-DAY DIDACTIC course is designed to provide the theoretical essentials of safe administration of cytotoxic
and biotherapeutic agents. Course content focuses on the major classifications of chemotherapy and biotherapy drugs, safe
handling, administration procedures, and side effect management. The course includes opportunities for professional
networking.
The SIX-DAY DIDACTIC and PRACTICUM course provides an additional three-day clinical experience in Fox Chase
Cancer Center’s Infusion Room. Acceptance into the Practicum Course is contingent on meeting established criteria which
includes: proof of current RN licensure, malpractice insurance, IV certification, and competency related to the management
of vascular access devices. Nurses accepted into the Practicum Course are required to have a minimum of one-year
oncology experience and expect to be administering chemotherapy on a regular basis in their practice.
Content for this program has been developed according to the Oncology Nursing Society’s Standards of Oncology
Nursing Education: Generalist and Advanced Practice Levels; Chemotherapy and Biotherapy Guidelines and
Recommendations for Practice and Core Curriculum for Oncology Nursing. The program provides a comprehensive
overview for nurses new to chemotherapy and a review for experienced oncology nurses to ensure consistency in practice.
This is NOT a certification course and successful completion does not indicate proficiency in administering
chemotherapeutic and biotherapy agents. Individual institutions are responsible for determining their own requirements
based on internal policies for assessing clinical competency in chemotherapy and biotherapy administration. It is the
responsibility of each nurse administering chemotherapy and biotherapy to acquire updates on new drugs, administration
techniques and other practice issues.
DATES: February 28, March 1, 2, 2006
TIME: 8:00 A.M. – 4:30 P.M.
LOCATION: Conference Center Auditorium, Fox Chase Cancer Center
WHO SHOULD ATTEND:
The Chemotherapy Administration Course is designed for registered nurses in all settings, who work with patients
receiving chemotherapy.
TOPICS INCLUDE:
• Introduction to Chemotherapy
• The Process of Drug Development
• Overview of Chemotherapy and Biotherapy Drug Classifications
• Administration Techniques; Safe Handling
• Vascular Access Devices (VADs), Pumps
• Extravasation: Assessment and Management
• Overview of Toxicities of Chemotherapy and Biotherapy
• Management of Side Effects/Toxicities
• Chemotherapy Induced Acute and Chronic Pain Syndrome
• Psychosocial Impact of Chemotherapy
• Chemotherapy Medication Error Prevention
• Documentation
• Patient Education and Resources for Patients and Professionals

3-DAY DIDACTIC COURSE OBJECTIVES:
At the completion of this course the participant will be able to:
• Identify the pharmacodynamics of selected chemotherapy and biotherapy agents and procedures for safe
administration.
• Discuss management strategies for chemotherapy/biotherapy induced side effects.
• Review procedures for administering cytotoxic and therapeutic agents as a part of cancer treatment.
• Describe the safe method of handling chemotherapy/biotherapy including disposal.
3-DAY PRACTICUM COURSE OBJECTIVES:
At the completion of this course the participant will be able to:
• Demonstrate/discuss safe handling and disposal of chemotherapy/biotherapy agents.
• Demonstrate/discuss correct administration of parenteral chemotherapy/biotherapy agents including vesicants.
• Develop/describe an effective teaching plan for patients/families receiving treatment.
FACULTY/PLANNING COMMITTEE:
Susan Weiss Behrend, MSN, RN, AOCN, Consultant Continuing Nursing Education, FCCC
Florence Bender, BSW, Social Worker, Social Work Services, FCCC
Colleen Boyd, LSW, Social Worker, Social Work Services, FCCC
Rachel Clark-Vetri, PharmD, Temple School of Pharmacy
Luanne Chynoweth, LSW, Social Worker, Social Work Services, FCCC
Roger Cohen, MD, Department of Medical Oncology
Monica Domenick, BSN, RN, OCN, Staff Nurse, Ambulatory Care Department, FCCC
Dawn Elliott, RPh, Assistant Director, Department of Pharmacy, FCCC
Jeanne Held-Warmkessel, MSN, CS, AOCN, APRN, BC, Clinical Nurse Specialist, FCCC
Pamela Kedziera, MSN, RN, AOCN, Clinical Manager/Clinical Nurse Specialist, Pain Management Center, FCCC
Dwight Kloth, PharmD, FCCP, BCOP, Director, Department of Pharmacy; Allied Health Member, Department
of Medical Oncology, FCCC
Elaine McCann Jones, RN, Clinical Nurse Resource Analyst, FCCC
Carole Neithammer, RN, OCN, IV Therapy Clinician, FCCC
Linda Regul, MSN, RN, OCN, Staff Nurse, 3 North, FCCC
Darrin Richman, RPh, Pharmacist, Department of Pharmacy, FCCC
Barbara Barnes Rogers, MN, CRNP, AOCN, Adult Hematology Oncology Nurse Practitioner, FCCC
Celeste Schiller, BSN, RN, OCN, Staff Nurse, One South, FCCC
Kathleen Smith, RN, BS, OCN, Staff Nurse, Infusion Room, FCCC
Joan Wagner, MSN, RN, CRNP, Coordinator, Department of Continuing Nursing Education, FCCC
James Young, RPh, Pharmacist, Department of Pharmacy, FCCC
FEE: 3-Day Didactic $359 FEE: 6-Day (Didactic & Practicum) $750
CONTACT HOURS: 24 (approximation)
CONTACT HOURS FOR PRACTICUM: 21.6