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, RN’s 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 Fee:
The course fee includes: all course materials, copy of the Chemotherapy and Biotherapy
Guidelines and Recommendation for Practice, 3rd Ed., and 13.5 Continuing Nursing
Education Credits through ONS + 2.5 Credits through Florida’s CE Broker. RN’s passing the
open book post test receive a 2 year Provider Card from ONS (inexpensively renewed online
every 2 years)
Cyndi will work with you to try to find reps to bring continental breakfast and lunch each day
Contact Cyndi@RealNurseEd for course fee. Sponsors can decide what they will (or will not)
charge their employees versus outside attendees at this course. Any of their employees may
attend All About Myelosuppression FREE at the beginning of day 2 of the program. (Cyndi offers
very affordable fees for this program)
Target Audience:
Recommend that participants must be licensed RN’s 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. Non-RN’s
may attend—but no provider card.
Continuing Nursing Education Credit:
- Must attend this program in its entirety for credits
- ONS is accredited as a provider of continuing nursing education by the American Nurses
Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.
ONS is approved as a provider of continuing nursing education by the California State Board
of Registered Nursing, Provider No. 2850.
- Cynthia F Cramer (RealNurseEd) is accredited through the State of Florida & CE Broker,
FBN Provider No. 2581, CE Broker No. 50-472
Cancellation/Refund Policy:
Cancellation must be received by 2 weeks before the course deadline for refund minus 25%
expenses. We reserve the right to cancel if participant quota is not
met with a full refund given.
Additional Information:
The ONS Chemotherapy and Biotherapy Course is NOT a certification course, and is not
intended to measure competency. Individual institutions are responsible for determining their
own requirements for assessing clinical competency.
For additional information, please contact:
Cyndi@RealNurseEd.com
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.
PROGRAM SCHEDULE
1. Introduction
A. Definition of cancer
B. Treatment modalities
C. Drug development process/clinical trial process
D. Ethical and legal issues
2. Goals of Cancer therapy and measuring response
3. Principles of chemotherapy
4. Principles of biotherapy
5. Principles of Targeted Therapy
6. Safe practice considerations
7. Administration
A. Dose determination
B. Pre-treatment care
C. Routes of administration
D. Immediate complications of cytotoxic therapy
8. Care of the patient receiving chemotherapy/biotherapy
9. Side effects of cancer therapy
A. Myelosuppression
- expanded content for extra 2.5 CE’s
B. GI and mucosal side effects
C. Cutaneous Toxicity
D. Alopecia
E. Cardiovascular toxicity
F. Pulmonary toxicity
G. Hemorrhagic cystitis
H. Hepatotoxicity
I. Nephrotoxicity
J. Neurotoxicity
K. Cognitive changes
L. Ocular Toxicity
M. Pancreatitis
N. Fatigue
O. Alterations in Sexual and Reproductive function
P. Secondary Malignancies
14. Survivorship Care Plan
15. Case Studies (optional)
16. Chemo Jeopardy both days
