Patient assessment to do an assessment of patients for treatment side effects, as well as assessing patients pre-, during and post-chemotherapy.
Use her interpersonal skills to listen to the patient, assessing their understanding of the disease and its process as well as the patient’s emotional state.
Clearly document all nursing cares, keeping updated medical records to ensure continuity of care both within the nursing team and across the multi-disciplinary group that is responsible for each patient.
Administration of chemotherapy drugs to patients.
Adhere on safe handling, cytotoxic spills and management of allergic reactions.
Follow the medical oncologist’s prescriptions, ensuring the correct drug dose is administered to the correct patient via the correct route.
Inform and documents side effects like nausea, vomiting and fatigue, as these are three of the most common side effects of cancer treatments, especially chemotherapy.
Pain assessment and management through both pharmacological and non-drug-related methods.
To supervise and provide nursing care to cancer patients.
Work hand-in-hand with physicians and other healthcare team members to ensure the greatest quality of care for the patient.
Create individualized care plans on patient under their supervision and care.
Recognize and report cancer-related issues.
Collaborate with a team of healthcare professionals to share expertise and knowledge.
Participate in cancer research to enhance treatment protocols assigned to cancer patients.
Give supportive resources on the patient and the families to promote a positive outlook.
Teach patients and families regarding post-treatment precautions.
Watch and record the patient’s progress on a constant basis.
Chart the patient’s response to treatment and medication.
Prepare care plan including palliative, supportive, and rehabilitative services.
Check and take over the ward/area / rooms, patients, instruments.
Take charge of the patient; check peripheral IV line, central line, chemo-port drainage site, operated site and take necessary action as per hospital policies, to see that appropriate care is given.
Check patient’s case file and give medication including chemotherapy
Follow all rights of medication administration which include
Right patient
Right drug
Right dose
Right time
Right route
Right documentation
Right Education
Check and send correct specimen properly filled lab requisition and labeled to the lab following the hospital policy.
For any investigation or any procedure, the patient should be prepared as per the consultant’s order and shifted as per hospital policy.
Complete the nurse’s documents immediately after each procedure.
Follow orders of chemotherapy protocol as given in Chemo order sheet.
Ensure that reports are done and collected and normal prior starting chemo.
Chemo must be started only on written chemo-plan is written by the respective consultant. If not get it written and then only the chemotherapy. To be started.
Check for consent is filled before each cycle is begun
Observe IV Line frequently so that there is no extravasation/infiltration.
Check TPR, BP of all patients on chemotherapy or as recommended.
In case of very ill patients, monitor patient per hourly and any fall or rise in vital signs inform duty doctor/consultant immediately and take written instruction and carry it out immediately.
Take round’s with the consultant and see that the instructions are followed.
Proper disposal of cytotoxic waste right from the generated point
To take care of acutely ill patients
To co-ordinate and work for the smooth functioning of the hospital
Supervise and help in bed making.
Help patient in his/her bath, mouth care, hair combing, hair wash and nail care.
Change 2 hourly positions after attending pressure points of bedridden patient.
Give sponge bath to patients –major post-operative cases, bed patients etc.
Perform major dressings of the patient and also central line, chemo-port, colostomy dressing, colostomy bag changing.
Maintain inventory of drugs, instruments, trolley, equipment through a checklist.