Description

The online Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) Chemotherapy and Immunotherapy Certificate Program provides nurses with a comprehensive overview of chemotherapy and immunotherapy. The in-person Bridge to Practice sessions review NIH specific policies and procedures related to chemotherapy/immunotherapy administration at NIH. The ONS Chemotherapy/Immunotherapy Certificate is obtained after successful completion of the course including a course exam. An 80% or higher must be achieved on the exam before an RN can receive the certificate. The provider card is valid for two years. The Clinical Center Nursing Department (CCND) program of care competency for chemotherapy and biotherapy requires successful completion of a chemotherapy course including an examination and clinical practicum (to be completed on the patient care unit) prior to administering chemotherapy or biotherapy.

This course is reserved for Clinical Center Nursing Department RNs administering chemotherapy or immunotherapy at NIH to adult patients with oncology and non-oncology diagnoses.

Contact Hours

15.25 contact hours

Special Comments

To be successful in the course, RNs need to attend three 8 hour sessions.
The location of this course may change abruptly to comply with current COVID restrictions (in person vs. online). Participants should ensure telework agreements are in place with their Nurse Manager. You will receive detailed instructions via email prior to the course start date.
Participants should expect to receive a course reminder with instructions for the class day at least 1 week prior to the course.
Participants will be granted online access to the ONS/ONCC Course on the first morning of class.

Target Audience

Clinical Center Nursing Department RNs administering chemotherapeutic/biotherapy agents to adult patients with oncology and non-oncology diagnoses.

Course Objectives

1. Discuss commonly used agents, their mechanisms of action, and any unique administration issues.

2. Demonstrate knowledge of safety precautions for handling and administering chemotherapeutic and biologic agents.

3. Discuss immediate complications of cancer therapy, extravasation, and hypersensitivity reactions plus the nursing measures required to prevent or reduce these complications.

4. Identify evidence-based resources to address systemic side effects of cytotoxic and biotherapeutic agents and the nursing interventions required to manage these complications.

Pre-requisites

1. Have the goal of obtaining the Clinical Center Nursing Department "Chemotherapy and Biotherapy" competency. 2. Have practiced in the Clinical Center for at least 6 months. 3. Have taken the Clinical Center Nursing Department's (CCND) Oncology Education Series: ONS online "Cancer Basics", "Oncologic Emergencies." OCC CRNS additionally need to attend "OES:Concepts, Trends, and Care." 4. Hold a current CCND "Safe Handling of Hazardous Drugs" competency. Special population: CCND CRNs who currently hold the "Chemotherapy/Biotherapy competency and have completed the Chemotherapy Biotherapy for Non-oncology Setting" course are eligible to take this course without taking the additional pre-requisites. Contact Meg Mikula mmikula@cc.nih.gov with any questions.