Balancing Pregnancy and Oncology Pharmacy – My Journey

Balancing Pregnancy and Oncology Pharmacy: My Journey 

Embracing Change: Pregnancy and the Oncology Pharmacy Workplace   

Working as an Oncology Pharmacy Technician is both a privilege and a responsibility. The sterile compounding of cytotoxic and hazardous medications demands precision, focus, and physical resilience. Adding pregnancy into the equation has brought new challenges and insights that I hope will resonate with others navigating similar paths in pharmacy. 

I am currently six months into my pregnancy and have spent much of this time performing the full range of duties in my role. This includes working closely with sterile compounding, where the handling of chemotherapy drugs and adherence to strict safety protocols are routine. Now, I’ve transitioned out of mixing chemotherapy to focus on other tasks. This decision was not easy, but it was necessary for my safety and the well-being of my baby. 

The Dual Challenge: Pregnancy and Hazardous Drug Handling 

The physical and environmental demands of working in sterile compounding are significant. Whether you are standing for hours, getting off and on your feet back and forth in controlled environments, or using harsh cleaning substances and maintaining a sterile field, the work can be physically taxing even under normal circumstances. Pregnancy amplifies these challenges. The strain on my feet and back became increasingly noticeable as my pregnancy progressed. Despite supportive footwear and scheduled breaks, I realized that some tasks, like mixing hazardous drugs, posed additional risks I couldn’t ignore. 

Using personal protective equipment (PPE) and following strict safety protocols helps mitigate potential exposures to cytotoxic substances. However, after consulting with my healthcare provider and reflecting on my energy levels, I chose to step back from compounding hazardous drugs. While I initially struggled with the decision—worrying about leaving a gap in the workflow—I knew it was the right choice for my family and me. 

Transitioning Roles: New Responsibilities, New Challenges 

Since stepping back from compounding, my primary responsibility has been checking the preparations made by my colleagues. While this role eliminates the physical strain of compounding, it’s mentally demanding. Ensuring the accuracy and safety of chemotherapy preparations requires immense focus, and pregnancy brain—a term often used to describe forgetfulness or mental fog during pregnancy—is a real concern. 

I’ve found this mental toll to be one of the most challenging aspects of my current role. The stakes in Oncology Pharmacy are high, and the fear of missing an error can be overwhelming. To manage, I’ve developed strategies to stay sharp: taking my scheduled breaks, staying hydrated, and maintaining open communication with my team. Trusting my colleagues and leaning on their support has been essential in navigating this period. 

Preparing for Maternity Leave 

Planning for maternity leave has been another important aspect of my pregnancy journey. My due date is in April, and I’ve decided to begin my leave one month before delivery. This timeline allows me to rest, prepare for my baby’s arrival, and avoid the stress of working if complications arise or if my baby comes early.

Lessons Learned and Advice for Other Pharmacy Technicians 

Pregnancy has taught me the importance of listening to my body and advocating for my needs. For others in similar roles, here are some lessons I’ve learned: 

• Recognize when to adjust duties: It’s okay to step back from tasks that feel unsafe or overly demanding. Your health and your baby’s health should always come first. 

• Leverage workplace resources: If your workplace or union offers accommodations or support for pregnant employees, don’t hesitate to use them. HSAA and AHS have resources that have been helpful to me. 

• Prioritize self-care: Whether it’s wearing supportive footwear, taking scheduled breaks, or hydrating regularly, small adjustments can make a big difference in managing physical discomfort. 

• Trust your team: Open communication with coworkers and supervisors builds a support system you can rely on. Teamwork is crucial in maintaining quality patient care during transitions. 

Closing Thoughts 

Pregnancy has added a new layer of complexity to my work as an Oncology Pharmacy Technician, but it has also taught me resilience and adaptability. Balancing the demands of this specialized field with the changes happening in my body has been a journey of growth and self-discovery. 

As I prepare for maternity leave, I am grateful for the lessons learned and the support I’ve received. I hope that by sharing my story, other pharmacy technicians can feel empowered to advocate for themselves, seek accommodations, and find strength in their journey. If you’re navigating a similar experience, remember: you’re not alone. Let’s continue supporting each other and fostering a culture of understanding within our profession. 

Devaki Grenier – Registered Pharmacy Technician – Oncology – Grande Prairie Cancer Clinic Pharmacy

Devaki Grenier is an experienced Pharmacy Technician with a diverse background in community, long-term care, and oncology pharmacy. Passionate about ensuring patient safety and quality care, she is also embracing the exciting journey of becoming a mom.