Is it safe for nurses to administer chemotherapy if they are pregnant or trying to conceive?
The issue of whether nurses should prepare or administer chemotherapy or care for patients who are receiving chemotherapy while trying to conceive or while pregnant or nursing is one of the more controversial topics in chemotherapy administration. Several resources may be helpful. ONS took a stance on this issue in the ONS Chemotherapy and Biotherapy Guidelines and Recommendations for Practice (2009). Address HD handling around pregnancy. Even when all recommended precautions are used, the potential for exposure cannot be completely eliminated. Therefore, an additional level of protection is suggested for those most vulnerable to the reproductive and developmental effects of HDs. Employers should allow employees who are actively trying to conceive or are pregnant or breastfeeding to refrain from activities that may expose them and their infant to reproductive health hazards such as chemical, physical, or biologic agents. Alternate duty that does not include HD preparation or administra
