I was able to find the website for the Oncology Nursing Society.  It
says to "allow employees who are pregnant, actively trying to conceive,
or breastfeeding ... to refrain from preparing or administering those
agents or caring for patients during their treatment with them upon
request." 

http://www.ons.org/faq/chemo.shtml

 

The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, "ASHP Guidelines on
Handling Hazardous drugs" states "Because reproductive risks have been
associated with exposure to hazardous drugs, alternative duty should be
offered to individuals who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or attempting to
conceive or father a child.  Employees' physicians should be involved in
making these determinations."  

www.ashp.org/s_ashp/bin.asp?CID=6&DID=5420&DOC=FILE.PDF

 

Several references I found in a Google search for "administering
chemotherapy breastfeeding" suggested exposure risk from surfaces,
stool, bodily fluids, etc.  So it seems that the safest course is to
request alternate duty.

 

 

Barbara Berges, BS, RN, IBCLC

Lactation Consultant

University Hospitals Geauga Medical Center

Chardon, OH  44024

 

 



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