TARGET AUDIENCE
Participants must be licensed registered nurses who have been employed as such for a minimum of six months. This course content is appropriate for nurses who are new to chemotherapy administration, as well as for those who want a comprehensive review.
GENERAL INFORMATION
The Oncology Nursing Society’s (ONS) Chemotherapy and Biotherapy Course provides a comprehensive review of the knowledge needed to administer cytotoxic and biotherapeutic agents.
Upon successful completion of the course and post-test, participants will receive an ONS Chemotherapy and Biotherapy Provider Card. This card validates the participant has the theoretical foundation needed to administer cytotoxic and biotherapeutic agents. The card is valid for two years.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
Upon completion of the course, the participant will be able to:
| A. |
Identify various therapeutic modalities used to treat cancer with emphasis on chemotherapy and biotherapy. |
| B. |
Describe the investigational process all drugs undergo to gain approval for use. |
| C. |
Review ethical and legal issues related to cancer therapy. |
| D. |
Identify factors affecting response to cancer therapy. |
| E. |
Identify selected commonly used agents, their mechanisms of action, and any unique administration issues. |
| F. |
Discuss safety precautions necessary when handling cytotoxic agents. |
| G. |
Review chemotherapy dose calculations and practice examples. |
| H. |
Identify nursing procedures and interventions for administering cytotoxic and biologic agents. |
| I. |
Discuss two immediate complications of cancer therapy, extravasation and hypersensitivity, and the nursing measures required to prevent and/or reduce these complications. |
| J. |
Identify selected systematic side effects of cytotoxic and biotherapeutic agents and the nursing interventions required to manage these side effects. |
| K. |
Review specific patient and family education that may prevent and/or reduce the impact of systemic side effects. |
FACULTY
Tammy Baltic, RN, MS, AOCNS
Nancee Hirano, RN, MS, ANP, AOCN
Pamela Viale, RN, MS, CS, ANP, AOCNP
Laura Zitella, RN, MS, NP, AOCN
PROGRAM SCHEDULE
| 1. |
Introduction |
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A. |
Definition of cancer |
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B. |
Treatment modalities |
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C. |
Drug development process/clinical trial process |
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D. |
Ethical and legal issues |
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| 2. |
Goals of Cancer therapy and measuring response |
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| 3. |
Principles of chemotherapy |
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| 4. |
Principles of biotherapy |
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| 5. |
Principles of Targeted Therapy |
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| 6. |
Safe practice considerations |
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| 7. |
Administration |
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A. |
Dose determination |
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B. |
Pre-treatment care |
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C. |
Routes of administration |
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D. |
Immediate complications of cytotoxic therapy |
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| 8. |
Care of the patient receiving chemotherapy/biotherapy |
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| 9. |
Side effects of cancer therapy |
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A. |
Myelosuppression |
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B. |
GI and mucosal side effects |
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C. |
Cutaneous toxicity |
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D. |
Alopecia |
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E. |
Cardiovascular toxicity |
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F. |
Pulmonary toxicity |
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G. |
Hemorrhagic cystitis |
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H. |
Hepatotoxicity |
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I. |
Nephrotoxicity |
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J. |
Neurotoxicity |
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K. |
Cognitive changes |
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L. |
Ocular Toxicity |
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M. |
Pancreatitis |
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N. |
Fatigue |
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O. |
Alterations in sexual and reproductive function |
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P. |
Secondary malignancies |
| 10. |
Survivorship Care Plan |
| 11. |
Case Studies (optional) |
| 12. |
Exam & Course Evaluation |
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