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, post-test, and evaluation, registered nurses will receive an ONS Chemotherapy and Biotherapy provider card. This card validates that the registered nurse has the theoretical foundation needed to administer cytotoxic and biotherapeutic agents. The card is valid for two years.
 
2012 Dates
January 5th & 6th
March 8th & 9th
May 19th & 20th
June 4th & 5th
September 10th & 11th
 
Course Objectives
Upon completion of the course, the participant will be able to:

• Identify various therapeutic modalities used to treat cancer with emphasis on chemotherapy and biotherapy.
• Describe the investigational process all drugs undergo to gain approval for use.
• Review ethical and legal issues related to cancer therapy.
• Identify factors affecting response to cancer therapy.
• Identify selected commonly used agents, their mechanisms of action, and any unique administration issues.
• Discuss safety precautions necessary when handling cytotoxic agents.
• Review chemotherapy dose calculations and practice examples.
• Identify nursing procedures and interventions for administering cytotoxic and biologic agents.
• Discuss two immediate complications of cancer therapy, extravasation and hypersensitivity, and the nursing measures required to prevent and/or reduce these complications.
• Identify selected systematic side effects of cytotoxic and biotherapeutic agents and the nursing interventions required to manage these side effects.
• Review specific patient and family education that may prevent and/or reduce the impact of systemic side effects.

ONS Chemotherapy Course Faculty
Lisa Privitere, RN BSN OCN — Nurse Administrator, BMT and Pediatric Unit
Elizabeth Owens RN MS OCN — Former RPCI Director of Nursing Education
Nancy Bertran RN BSN OCN — Nurse Manager, Ambulatory Chemotherapy Center
Rose Kumpf RN, BSN, OCN — Assistant Nurse Administrator, BMT Unit
Cindy Latimore RN, AAS, OCN — Registered Nurse, BMT Unit
Renee Thompson RN, OCN — Registered Nurse, Ambulatory Chemotherapy Center