RN - ONCOLOGY

The Oncology Infusion Room nurse will plan and provide nursing interventions for patients with cancer and cancer related health care problems; assesses physical, psychosocial, and learning needs of patients and families; directs, guides and provides the delivery of quality patient care, patient/family education and all care related activities while ensuring maintenance of the standards of professional nursing and enhancing patient/family satisfaction.

Key Responsibilities:

• Practices within the boundaries of the NYS Practice Act for Registered Professional Nurses and proves care according to specific Standards of Care and Practice.

• Provide care that demonstrates sensitivity to client diversity and incorporates appropriate cultural practices.

• Initiates nursing actions based on patient needs and changes.

• Provides cancer/treatment specific education to patients and their families based on patient assessment, patient needs and readiness to learn.

• Demonstrate the skill and knowledge to assess, identify, guide and support patient/family needs, concerns, problems; and the knowledge to take appropriate action(s).

• Demonstrates skill and competency (confirmed through annual competencies):

  • • venipuncture
  • • venous device access
  • • donning/doffing PPE

• Demonstrates competency in the administration of chemotherapy and non-chemotherapy meds intravenously and/or by injection as prescribed.

• Reports changes in patient status to physicians and/or APP’s; documents observations and actions taken

• Accurate and timely documentation of all patient interactions and care.

• Coordinate and collaborate with care team regarding patient status and treatment needs.

• Demonstrates the skill and knowledge to conduct telephone triage. Ability to assess urgency of needs/requests, taking appropriate action and recommending appropriate follow-up/referrals as necessary.

• Seeks supervisory support for unusual or complex cases/problems.

• Ability to remain calm and professional in crisis and emergent situation, and in dealing with difficult patients/family members.

• Adheres to certification requirements and completes all required skill competencies per department and organizational policies.

• Provides input for the development of department goals/objectives and assists with implementation.

• Participates in quality improvement activities

• Knowledgeable of DNV Standards of Provision of Care and other applicable standards.

• Working knowledge of Advance Directives.

• Performs other related duties as needed.

Education:

• Graduate from an accredited School of Nursing
• Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing preferred

Certifications:

• Current license to practice as a Registered Professional Nurse in New York State
• RPCCC Chemo/Immunotherapy Certification 3-4 months of hire date
• BLS certified
• Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN) certification within 2 years from hire date

Experience:

• Recent chemo/infusion experience preferred; at minimum 3-5 years nursing experience

Professional Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to adapt quickly to fast-paced clinic environment.
• Ability to problem solve.
• Ability to communicate with members of the multidisciplinary team with written and verbal proficiency.
• Ability to coordinate oncology patient care with other interdisciplinary staff.
• Ability to network within the institution as well as externally.
• Proficiency in clinical management of complex patients.
• Flexibility and multitasking skills.
• Knowledge and skills necessary to provide care to patients of varying age groups, human development stages and cultural groups.
• Knowledge of chronic illness and comorbidity management.
• Current knowledge of latest trends, skills, procedures, and protocols in hematology/oncology and internal medicine practice.
• Skills interpersonal relationships, program development, critical thinking, and problem solving.
• Strong ability to use data, computer systems and electronic health records in support of patient care delivery.
• Understanding of the latest evidence-based oncology, immunology, pharmacology, community health and cultural sensitivity information.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Education:

• Graduate from an accredited School of Nursing
• Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing preferred

Certifications:

• Current license to practice as a Registered Professional Nurse in New York State
• RPCCC Chemo/Immunotherapy Certification 3-4 months of hire date
• BLS certified
• Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN) certification within 2 years from hire date

Experience:

• Recent chemo/infusion experience preferred; at minimum 3-5 years nursing experience

Professional Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to adapt quickly to fast-paced clinic environment.
• Ability to problem solve.
• Ability to communicate with members of the multidisciplinary team with written and verbal proficiency.
• Ability to coordinate oncology patient care with other interdisciplinary staff.
• Ability to network within the institution as well as externally.
• Proficiency in clinical management of complex patients.
• Flexibility and multitasking skills.
• Knowledge and skills necessary to provide care to patients of varying age groups, human development stages and cultural groups.
• Knowledge of chronic illness and comorbidity management.
• Current knowledge of latest trends, skills, procedures, and protocols in hematology/oncology and internal medicine practice.
• Skills interpersonal relationships, program development, critical thinking, and problem solving.
• Strong ability to use data, computer systems and electronic health records in support of patient care delivery.
• Understanding of the latest evidence-based oncology, immunology, pharmacology, community health and cultural sensitivity information.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Customer service oriented.

Physical Requirements:

• Frequent standing and walking.
• Occasional bending, crouching, reaching, pushing and pulling
• Ability to lift light loads
• Manual dexterity to establish and manage IV access, administer medication and document patient care.