About This Role
Caring for patients undergoing chemotherapy and other oncology treatments is the main purpose of this nursing role. The Chemotherapy Nurse administers medications, monitors patients during treatment, manages side effects, and educates patients and their families. The role requires strong oncology nursing knowledge, excellent IV cannulation skills, and the ability to provide empathetic care while maintaining strict safety protocols.
Responsibilities
- Administer chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, supportive medications, blood products, and IV infusions as prescribed by the treating oncologist and as per hospital protocols
- Verify chemotherapy orders, patient identity, drug dosage, route, schedule, laboratory parameters, and treatment plan before administration
- Follow all chemotherapy handling, preparation, administration, spill-management, and cytotoxic safety protocols
- Assess patients before, during, and after chemotherapy administration
- Monitor vital signs, treatment tolerance, infusion reactions, allergic reactions, extravasation, and other adverse events
- Take immediate action in case of chemotherapy reactions or medical emergencies and escalate appropriately to the treating physician
- Perform IV cannulation, access and maintain central venous catheters, PICC lines, chemo ports, and other vascular access devices as per competency and hospital policy
- Administer pre-medications, hydration, antiemetics, and other supportive treatments as prescribed
- Monitor laboratory results including CBC, renal function, liver function, electrolytes, and other treatment-related investigations before chemotherapy administration
- Provide patient and family education regarding chemotherapy, possible side effects, medication instructions, infection prevention, nutrition, hydration, oral care, and warning signs requiring medical attention
- Maintain accurate and timely nursing documentation, medication records, chemotherapy administration records, intake-output charts, and treatment notes
- Coordinate with oncologists, pharmacy, laboratory, front office, and other departments to ensure smooth patient flow and timely treatment
- Maintain infection-control practices and adhere to biomedical waste management protocols
- Ensure correct storage, handling, transportation, and disposal of cytotoxic drugs and contaminated materials
- Maintain emergency preparedness and ensure availability of required emergency drugs and equipment in the chemotherapy area
- Participate in nursing handovers, clinical audits, quality improvement initiatives, and patient-safety activities
- Maintain confidentiality, dignity, privacy, and emotional well-being of oncology patients
- Support patients and caregivers with empathy throughout the treatment process