Provides primary nursing support for Oncology and secondary support for Internal Medicine. Administers or assists with administration of chemotherapeutic agents following established protocols or physician's orders. Is responsible for providing nursing advice for Oncology patients with medical problems.
Essential Functions:
-Prepares patients for appointments w/ providers or for chemotherapy by screening to determine nature of the visit, obtaining & recording pertinent physical assessment data & explaining procedures to patients.
-Assists providers w/ examinations by providing instruction to patients regarding preparation for laboratory & x-ray diagnostic procedures. May perform diagnostic labs prior to chemotherapy (urine dipstick evaluation).
-Assists providers w/ minor surgery & special procedures (bone narrow aspiration). Sets up treatment rooms ensuring that adequate supplies are on hand & that proper instruments are available. Cleans & sterilizes instruments & cleans treatment rooms as required.
-Acts as a counselor for patient & family. Is responsible for providing medical advice & education on all facets of Oncology. Is a liaison between the primary care physician & 7. Inserts IV catheters & administers IV fluids for the purpose of hydration or the patient. May also work in conjunction w/ the Psychiatric Social Worker or Psychiatrist to provide the patient w/ a mental health component of care.
-Mixes & administers chemotherapeutic agents under the direction of a physician, or according to prescribed protocols. Is knowledgeable of the actions of the chemotherapeutic agents, of the interactions w/ the body's systems & of the nursing interventions necessary to counteract or minimize reactions.
-Follows established Oncology protocols to maintain a clean & safe working environment. Safeguards self & others against the hazards of toxic drugs. Disposes of bio-hazardous waste according to approved protocol. Abides by federal, state &/or local standards regarding drug accountability. Medication therapy under a physician's direction or medication protocol. Monitors patients during & after periods of instillation.
-Completes various forms (consultation forms) as required. Maintains accurate records & appropriate entries in patient chart for specific medications utilizing the chemotherapy flow sheet.
- Documents treatments or observations as needed. Is responsible, in conjunction w/ the physician, for documenting information for investigational protocols & ensures that all appropriate investigational drug materials is understood by the patient. Maintains vital information for the Tumor Board Registry.
- Performs other related duties as directed.
Secondary Functions:
-Participates in staff meetings and attends in-service programs. Maintains, updates knowledge by attending continuing education programs on Oncology. Provides education for staff members. -Is familiar with health plan benefits & community resources. Communicates with the Discharge Planning Nurse to investigate additional resources.
-As time permits, make home visits in an effort to provide comprehensive & continuous care. Performs other related duties as directed. '
Qualifications:
Basic Qualifications:
- 2 years of current Oncology experience w/ 1 year being in an out-patient setting.
- RN License in jurisdiction to which assigned
- Current CPR certification required.
Preferred Qualifications:
- BSN preferred
- This position will eventually move to the Burke Medical Office Building.
External hires must pass a background check/drug screen.
We are proud to be an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.