ONCOLOGY COUNCIL

Preceptors must demonstrate effective leadership and clinical competency. Precepting is not easy; just because a nurse is an excellent practitioner does not mean they will be able to translate this to a new nurse.

“The highest form of competence is the person who is reflectively competent – they are so competent they do not have to think about what they are doing, and yet they can instruct others,” according to Greene.

The Unit-Based Oncology Council’s (UBC) goal is to advocate for safety and provide the best care to patients undergoing chemotherapy.

The council’s creation led to:

• Collaboration with the Education department regarding the handling of hazardous drugs that allow nonchemo certified RNs to administer medications ordered for noncancer related treatment

• A comprehensive Chemotherapy Administration Policy that was approved in October 2021. The Council is working on the Chemotherapy Consent as per The Joint Commission and Oncology Nursing Society recommendations.

• A staffing ratio of 1:3

• Standard workflow for admission of chemotherapy or immunotherapy infusion patients (oncologist must fax a written order to the nursing admission staffing office, T5 and the pharmacy at least three days prior to infusion)

• Differential pay with an Oncology Certification, which helps the retention of chemotherapy nurses.

• A campaign to encourage staff to complete a chemotherapy certificate during Oncology RN month