I'm the new kid on the block at a new job at an outpatient infusion center.?

I've been an oncology nurse for 9 years and have noticed that the other 2 nurses who don't have as much experience with chemo, are not following "standard" procedures to safely administer chemo, checking chemo before hanging it, etc...I've tried being diplomatic, but they are very resistant and defensive to my suggestions. They have been running their own show for the past couple of years and haven't had anyone to "police" them-no one with more experience to even make them aware of some of the mistakes being made, until now. Whenever I suggest a safer way to do things I get, "That's not how we do it here." But that is how it should be done anywhere. Other oncology nurses I've talked to agree. What's the best way for me to handle this without causing a huge blow up?

Do you have a nurse manager that you can bring your concerns to? They can get policies in place to make others follow. Otherwise, you may want to consider other places of employment. Chemo administration standards are becoming more strict and you should be following at least minimum standards before someone gets killed.

I have made the NM aware, but nothing has been done that has any real teeth in it, if you know what I mean. But thank you for your suggestions. I'm just going to keep trying to keep my chin up along with my standards. Report It

Keep on making co-workers aware of need for improving, unless boss has problem w/opinion.

You owe it to your patients to resolve this issue immediately. Go talk to your nursing supervisor or the doctor and tell them about your concerns. This type of practice could be life threatening to your patients and is unacceptable.

My son had two central line infections, and both of them were the direct result of nurses not following standard procedures. He has no patiences with this anymore and will tell a nurse if he feels they are not following good health practice. If they don't listen than he reports them.

Good luck.

Go to the top, forget any blow ups, its other people lives they are playing with. (what if they get doses wrong or something) I ve watched nurses hanging/ giving chemo when my daughter had leukaemia. Everything was checked and by two different nurses. Then it was recorded on the patients record.
I also congradulate you on your job, i spent 6 months with my daughter having chemo and her nurses were so wonderful. (i dont know how you/they cope with the loss)