Reviewed: July 27, 2005
Revised: February 1, 2012
BCCA Chemotherapy and Biotherapy Education Program:
This program is designed to prepare Registered Nurses (RNs) to provide comprehensive care to patients receiving systemic therapy treatment for cancer. The program elements reflect the Cancer Chemotherapy Nursing Standards and Competencies (2011) developed by the Canadian Association of Nurses in Oncology (CANO).
The primary goal of the program is to support RNs to utilize an evidence based approach to planning and providing safe care to patients who are receiving systemic therapy, including the actual administration of chemotherapy and biotherapy drugs.
This education program is open to RN’s employed by the BC Cancer Agency or RNs from the British Columbia Communities Oncology Network in consultation with regional health authorities.
Please note that course materials are distributed in an electronic format.
Learning Objectives:
Upon completion of the education program, the RN will be able to:
1. Locate and utilize evidence based practice guidelines and organizational policies and procedures when caring for a patient receiving chemotherapy.
2. Apply the principles of adult learning in the provision of chemotherapy patient care and teaching.
3. Conduct a comprehensive assessment of the patient prior to initiating treatment with chemotherapy.
4. Complete an assessment of the patient’s laboratory findings which relate to the individual treatment protocol.
5. Provide the treatment related information necessary to enable the patient and their family to safely initiate appropriate self care strategies and to recognize when to contact the health care professional.
6. Demonstrate the infusion therapy skills (peripheral and central) necessary to safely administer chemotherapy.
7. Utilize various sources of evidence including organizational guidelines to assess and manage the side effects of chemotherapy treatment.
8. Describe the rationale for the use of pre-medications and safely administer oral and intravenous chemotherapy drugs using push, sidearm, and infusion methods.
9. Teach patients to safely manage continuous intravenous infusions utilizing elastomeric pumps and a central venous catheter.
10. Identify and safely manage acute local or systemic reactions including extravasation or anaphylaxis.
11. Demonstrate knowledge of safe handling practices by providing the patient/family with information related to managing biohazardous wastes and by safely storing, handling, transporting and disposing of chemotherapy drugs.
12. Document relevant patient data in the appropriate record.
Out of Province Certification and Re-certification:
The BCCA frequently receives requests to “certify” RNs who have completed a chemotherapy/biotherapy course in another province or to “re-certify” BC Registered Nurses who have been unable to complete the continuing competence requirements.
These requests are reviewed on an individual basis with due consideration of the applicants knowledge and experience.
Any questions regarding this process should be directed to:
Administrative Coordinator (ilundie@bccancer.bc.ca)
Provincial Professional Practice - Nursing
BC Cancer Agency - Vancouver Centre
Room #602 - 600 West 10th Avenue
Vancouver, B.C. V5Z 4E6