Fundamentals of Chemotherapy and the Patient Experience

Thursday, January 26, 2023, 7:45 AM - Friday, January 27, 2023, 2:00 PM, Nursing Clinical Education Center, 4 West General Hospital

This two-day program is designed to enhance the nurse’s understanding of chemotherapy and care of patients receiving chemotherapy. The content will include the principles of cancer chemotherapy, the administration of chemotherapy, physiological and psychosocial effects of chemotherapy and the nursing management of the patient receiving chemotherapy.


Iowa Board of Nursing, Provider #34 (11.00 hours), Non-Nurse Attendance (11.00 hours)

1. Describe the basic cellular kinetics of tumor growth, the rationale in combination chemotherapy and recent advances in treatment modalities.
2. List the classifications and categories of antineoplastic drugs and the mechanisms of action.
3. List common early and late side effects and toxicities associated with chemotherapy.
4. Describe methods to manage side effects of chemotherapy.
5. Identify acute, local or systemic reactions associated with a given drug and measures to be taken should these reactions occur.
6. Identify considerations that should be taken when performing venipuncture and vein selection.
7. Identify the signs and symptoms of extravasation of a vesicant and outline the nursing measures to minimize tissue damage.
8. Describe safety precautions recommended to minimize exposure of healthcare personnel, the patient, the family and the environment to the potentially harmful effects of chemotherapy.
9. Discuss the various phases of clinical trials.
10. Discuss the psychosocial implications of treatment with chemotherapy and the nursing interventions to help the patient and their family cope with the disease and treatment.
11. Describe the process of effective patient and family teaching for patients receiving chemotherapy.
12. Discuss concerns and recommendations related to chemotherapy as expressed by cancer survivors.

Workshop Fee: 
UIHC Staff working on units administering chemotherapy: No fee 
UIHC All Other Staff: $60 
Non-UIHC Staff: $254 (includes workshop materials, food voucher, parking and CE credits for the two days) A $20 non-refundable late fee will be assessed for all registrations made after the January 6, 2023 deadline.

To register after the deadline date, please call 319-356-1238 to find out if there is seat availability. Registration after the deadline may be declined if space is already filled.

Refund: Full (minus $20 cancellation fee) if notification received 3 days prior to the program. Substitutions are permitted at any time.

11.0 contact hours will be granted by UI Hospitals & Clinics Department of Nursing (IBN Approved Provider #34). Participants must attend the entire program to receive full credit.