OBJECTIVE To determine the effect of duration of infusion time on venous irritation in patients receiving vinorelbine tartrate (Navelbine, Burroughs Wellcome Co., Research Triangle Park, NC) in combination with cisplatin or mitomycin. METHODS Prospective and descriptive. METHODS Five outpatient hematology/oncology units in southern Louisiana and Mississippi. METHODS 96 patients receiving vinorelbine in combination with cisplatin or mitomycin through a peripheral vein. METHODS Nurses completed the Venous Irritation Record (VIR), on which they documented the incidence of irritation reactions on the day of infusion as well as 24 hours and one to two weeks later. METHODS Incidence and severity of venous irritation as well as the duration of administration. RESULTS Significantly lower incidence of venous irritation at 6-10 minute infusion rate was observed (p < 0.05). No difference in incidence was observed when vinorelbine was given with a vesicant (mitomycin) or a nonvesicant (cisplatin) drug. CONCLUSIONS Although venous irritation is a problem associated with peripherally administered vinorelbine, it does not necessitate central line placement. Incidence of this problem can be reduced with a shorter duration of administration. The VIR was feasible, easy to use, and could be adapted for other drugs and other toxicities. The National Cancer Institute Common Toxicity Criteria are not adequate for grading venous irritation reactions. CONCLUSIONS Vinorelbine should be administered in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations as a 6-10 minute infusion. Determination of this rate came as a result of clinical nursing research. Nurses involved in clinical trials can and should play a role in describing emergent toxicities and investigating methods to prevent or minimize those toxicities.