Registered Nurse (RN) - Cancer Treatment Center (PT)

JOB TITLE: Registered Nurse

DEPARTMENT: Cancer Center - Medical Oncology and Infusion

REPORTS TO: Cancer Center Director

JOB SUMMARY

The Medical Oncology Clinic and Infusion/Chemotherapy Nurse is responsible for administering nursing care to patients in a safe, efficient, compassionate, and courteous manner using proper nursing procedures. The clinic and infusion nurse perform chemotherapy and infusion administration, physician assistance, information gathering, sample collection, patient education, patient follow-up, supply maintenance, and consultation.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Current Wyoming licensure as a Registered Professional Nurse.

EXPERIENCE

Prefer at least 1 year of experience in infusion and/or chemotherapy.

SKILLS

• Must possess a high degree of confidentiality in all matters with the ability to manage sensitive and confidential situations with tact, professionalism, and diplomacy.
• Knowledge of infusion and chemotherapy nursing principles
• Knowledge of aseptic technique and infection control principles.
• Able to perform effectively in highly stressful situations.
• Must be well motivated, organized and able to prioritize tasks.
• Must be able to interact effectively with a wide variety of people.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Effective computer and keyboarding skills.
• Must have ability to learn and use Microsoft Office Suite products including Word and Outlook.
• Ability to learn new computer software applications.
• Able to serve as an example to other employees.
• Provide compassionate care to the hematology and oncology patient population.
• Understanding of medical/legal considerations.
• Able to take pertinent, concise history.

REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

BLS (AHA) required. Chemotherapy and Biotherapy provider card required to administer chemotherapy. OCN and/or CRNI preferred.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Medical Oncology Infusion/Chemotherapy Nurse

• The infusion nurse should be able to administer injections, chemotherapy drugs, blood transfusions, hydration, and other medications as ordered by physician.
• Pharmacology of medications being administered at cancer center, including: antineoplastic, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy agents.
• Safe handling, simple preparation and disposal of drugs
• Principles of chemotherapy administration
• Chemotherapy related intravenous therapy skills
• Vascular access device management
• Common problems encountered by patients and families.
• Assessment and management of chemotherapy induced side effects
• Patient/family education relevant to chemotherapy
• Patient and family’s ability to manage the patient’s post chemotherapy care in the home
• Delegate and supervise clinical activities of other licensed and unlicensed personnel within the guidelines set forth by the Wyoming State Board of Nursing.

Medical Oncology Clinic Nurse

• The Clinic nurse will have a working knowledge of chemotherapy drugs and associated side effects, good patient teaching skills and a thorough understanding of various treatment programs. The clinic nurse will display excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to effectively communicate with staff, physicians, and a diverse patient population. The clinic nurse will have the ability to organize and coordinate complex clinical activities.
• Assist physician as needed. Ensure that all information is available.
• Obtain patient histories. Take and record various readings such as heart and respiratory rate, blood pressure, weight, body temperature, mental status, etc.
• Obtain laboratory results.
• Collect samples from patients including blood, urine, etc. Prepare samples for analysis or shipment.
• Provide educational information to patients, family, etc. pertaining to the administration of chemotherapy. Answer inquiries and provides advice as needed.
• Schedule radiological studies. Make follow up patient appointments or follow up on patient appointments. Answer routine questions from patients, and family. Obtain referrals, etc.
• Consult with other medical personnel and may provide expert information about chemotherapy, side effects, etc.
• Assist with initiating pre-authorizations for chemotherapy, infusions, or radiology procedures with the assistance of Patient Financial Services as required.
• Perform various duties as needed to successfully fulfill the function of the position.
• Triage of patient phone calls with the proper follow-up and documentation.
• Coordinates INR results, changes in dosing, patient follow -up appointments, and documentation with providers and medical assistant.

SECONDARY FUNCTIONS

• Delivery of nursing care via the nursing process; assessment (collection of data), planning, interventions and evaluations.
• Attend to needs of patients and visitors.
• Provide education to the patient.
• Assure patients as needed; allay fears and answer questions as necessary for the patients.
• Document medications and nursing care in a timely and accurate manner.
• Arrange for follow-up care or referral.
• Assure that consents are obtained and signed.
• Exhibit cooperation and positive attitude toward other hospital departments.
• Orders and accounts for medical supply stock. Orders chemotherapy administering supplies.
• Complete incident and error forms when appropriate.
• Follow procedure for medication administration and narcotic control.
• Communicate questions about appropriateness of medical or nursing care through chain of command as needed.
• Take primary responsibility for keeping own knowledge and skills current.
• Work with other departments in coordinating care.
• Clean area as needed.
• Apply and change dressings.
• Collect and deliver lab specimens as required.
• Occasional Charge Nurses duties assigned by Supervisor.
• Participate in departmental meetings and in-services.
• Adhere to standards of safety and infection control in delivery of patient care.
• Answers phone calls appropriately.
• Assure supplies are stocked and outdates are checked.
• May be required to do other related duties for which the individual is qualified.