Fundamentals of Chemotherapy and the Patient Experience

Thursday, November 10, 2022, 7:45 AM - Friday, November 11, 2022, 2:00 PM, Nursing Clinical Education Center, 4 West General Hospital, Iowa City, IA

This two-day program is designed to enhance the nurses’ 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 $254 (includes workshop materials, breaks - no food, parking and CE credits for the two days). A $20 non-refundable late fee will be assessed for all registrations received after the deadline, which is 3 weeks prior to the first day of each session.  This class is offered at no cost to UIHC Department of Nursing staff working on units administering chemotherapy and $60 for all other staff employed at UI Hospitals and Clinics.

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

Questions call 319-356-1238 or e-mail [email protected]

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