The role of nurses in the chemotherapy outpatient clinic of a Federal University: An experience report
Keywords:
Nursing staff, Chemotherapy, Oncology.Abstract
Introduction: Nursing plays a vital role in the care of cancer patients, offering comprehensive support from diagnosis through to treatment and rehabilitation. Understanding how nurses work in chemotherapy outpatient clinics helps to identify areas where treatment can be improved. Objective: To disseminate the experience of good practices, to promote humanization in care, to provide ongoing training for professionals, to encourage research and innovation, and to strengthen the professional support network. Methodology: This is a descriptive study reporting on the experience of nurses at the university oncology outpatient clinic. Development: The chemotherapy outpatient clinic is located in a university hospital. The nursing team is made up of nurses, nursing technicians and nursing assistants. The activities carried out by the nursing team in the chemotherapy room are: welcoming patients, preparing pre-medications, forwarding medical prescriptions to the pharmacy, checking medications after handling by the pharmacist, puncturing peripheral venous accesses and/or activating central venous accesses and monitoring patients.
In addition, nurses act as team leaders and carry out routine bureaucratic activities inherent to their position. In summary, the nurse's work in the chemotherapy outpatient clinic is characterized by a set of complex and interdisciplinary practices aimed at excellence in cancer care, as well as the dissemination of knowledge among the university students who do their undergraduate and postgraduate internships there. Final considerations: Working in the chemotherapy outpatient clinic highlights the importance of the role of nursing in the comprehensive care of cancer patients. Nurses' dedication, technical knowledge and sensitivity are fundamental to providing quality care. Through welcoming, education, follow-up and rehabilitation, the nursing team contributes significantly to the well-being of patients.
