In January I had my second clinical placement block consisting of 5 weeks. For one of those weeks, I was assigned to the chemotherapy unit. Spending a week in the chemotherapy unit has taught me some valuable skills and developed my knowledge and understanding on chemotherapy. I have learnt what role chemotherapy plays in the patient pathway and the journey a patient makes through chemotherapy before they start treatment with radiotherapy.
The chemotherapy day unit which is known as the Sunflower Suite in my department cares for patients that are able to receive chemotherapy on an outpatient basis. Within my first day, I came to realise that this unit is a very challenging and stimulating environment which is supported by a dynamic team of nurses. All
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I first observed a nurse taking blood samples from patients in preparation for their chemotherapy. By observing the nurse doing this, I learnt how to handle needles safely and correctly, including how to dispose of them. I then got to observe a nurse who was responsible for giving chemotherapy to the patients. I noticed how they had to ensure the correct drug dose is administered to the correct patient via the correct route. The nurse also had to monitor the patients closely for any side effects the patients might experience whilst they are given chemotherapy. During my time there I also managed to read up on all the chemotherapy drugs from the chemotherapy drug book that was in the suite. This was really beneficial for me as I learnt what chemotherapy drugs are given for what cancers. I also made a note of all the different side effects that can occur with the different chemotherapy drugs. I spent some time shadowing a nurse in the blood transfusion part of the suite as well where I watched a lot of PICC Lines being inserted into patients. I was also able to weigh the patients and measure their blood