The nurse in the university outpatient context of chemotherapy: A practice approach

Abstract

Introduction: Nursing plays a vital role in the care of cancer patients, offering comprehensive support from diagnosis to treatment and rehabilitation. Understanding how the nurse works in the chemotherapy outpatient clinic helps to identify areas where treatment can be improved. Objective: To disseminate the experience of good practices, the promotion of humanization in care, the continuous training of professionals, the encouragement of research and innovation, and the strengthening of the professional support network. Methodology: This is a descriptive study of the experience report type of nurses in the university oncology outpatient clinic. Development: The chemotherapy outpatient clinic is located in a university hospital. The nursing team is composed of nurses, nursing technicians and nursing assistants. The activities performed by the nursing team in the chemotherapy room are: reception of patients, preparation of premedications, referral of medical prescriptions to the pharmacy, checking of medications after manipulation by the pharmacist, puncture of peripheral venous accesses and/or activation of central venous accesses, and monitoring of patients. In addition, nurses perform the role of team leadership and perform routine bureaucratic activities inherent to their position. In summary, the work of nurses in the chemotherapy outpatient clinic is characterized by a set of complex and interdisciplinary practices, which aim at excellence in cancer care, as well as the dissemination of knowledge among university students who carry out their undergraduate and graduate internships there. Final considerations: The practice of working in the chemotherapy outpatient clinic highlights the importance of the role of nursing in the comprehensive care of cancer patients. The dedication, technical knowledge and sensitivity of nurses are essential to provide quality care. Through welcoming, education, follow-up and rehabilitation, the nursing team contributes significantly to the well-being of patients.

DOI:https://doi.org/10.56238/sevened2024.012-027