Oncology nurses are at risk for negative health effects of exposure to hazardous chemotherapy drugs. The health effects of this occupational exposure include the increased risk for cancer, fertility problems, asthma, nausea, vomiting, and allergic reactions. Chemotherapy exposure occurs due to inadvertent contact with these drugs during handling procedures. While the rates of exposure to chemotherapy have decreased since the publication of hazardous drugs handling guidelines in the 1980s, nurses are still reporting exposure incidents. In this session, we will describe the patterns of exposure to chemotherapy and handling practices among oncology nurses based on results from a pilot survey study. Further, we will discuss the factors influencing the exposure and strategies to foster chemotherapy safety from the perspectives of nurses and nurse managers.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, learners will be able to: 
• Identify patterns of exposure to chemotherapy and handling practices among oncology nurses based on results from a pilot survey study
• Describe personal and workplace-related factors affecting hazardous chemotherapy exposure among oncology nurses 
• Discuss strategies to foster chemotherapy safety among oncology nurses in health care settings 

CRNI® RUs: This session has been approved for 2 CRNI® recertification units and meets the non INS Meeting criteria.

Contact Hours: This session has been approved for 1 contact hour

Expiration date for receipt of contact hours: July 16, 2028

To receive contact hours for this educational activity, you are required to attend the entire educational activity and complete the evaluation.

The Infusion Nurses Society is approved as a provider of continuing nursing education by the California Board of Registered Nursing, provider #CEP14209. The certificate must be retained by the attendee for a period of 4 years.