Summary:

Provides comprehensive, quality nursing care through application of the nursing process. Adheres to Nursing Policies and Procedures and Organizational Goals and Objectives. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 

Clinical Practice

1. Provides age appropriate care for the population served. Gives consideration to growth & developmental phase of life, to age related factors such as thermal regulation, nutrition, medication administration, nutrition, safety and functional needs of the patient.

2. Uses appropriate resources for patients with special needs such as language barriers, sensory problems, altered cognition, cultural and religious needs.

3. Demonstrates competency in assessment skills (Physical, spiritual, psychological, social) of the Hematology and Oncology Services patient.

4. Performs telephone triage for patient problems, utilizes decision trees to formulate plan of care. Consults with physician and CRNP as necessary to problem solve and direct urgent/emergent patient care.

5. Performs follow up telephone alls to evaluate Hematology and Oncology Services patient outcomes.

6. Demonstrates the ability to make correct clinical decisions and prioritize nursing actions.

7. Performs procedures according to policy and procedure.

8. Demonstrates competence in starting IV ports, performing therapeutic phlebotomy, intra- peritoneal chemotherapy, and intravenous chemotherapy administration.

9. Demonstrates competence with peripheral IV insertion.

10. Demonstrates competence with assessing and maintaining peripheral and central IV access.

11. Follows policy and procedure when using Cathflo to de-clot port access.

12. Adheres to the 5 rights of medication administration. Reports errors and/or adverse drug effects 100% of the time. Researches unfamiliar medications prior to administration.

13. Follows P&P for medication administration.

14. Adheres to aseptic technique as appropriate.

15. Uses resources and references for reviewing policies and procedures, medications, and clinical information.

16. Recognizes the need for and follows established protocols for requesting a physician’s order/intervention or obtaining medical attention for a patient in distress.

Communication

1. Uses effective communication during hand-offs.

2. Collaborates with patient/family and other health care team members in planning care, teaching as documented on medical record.

3. Communicates special needs and/or precautions for patients to other Departments involved in the care of the patient.

4. Communicates patient care information to the interdisciplinary care team in a clear, accurate and professional manner.

5. Provides patient and family education in a manner that is understood and gives the patient and family handouts, brochures and resources that can be taken home for future reference.

Documentation

1. Documents all therapies provided accurately.

2. Documents patient care that is relevant to patient’s diagnosis, problems and reflects patient’s status.

Professional Role Development

1. Develops own nursing knowledge via practice, observation, professional literature, networking and attending continuing education programs.

2. Promotes best practice by demonstrating a commitment to quality patient care and the profession of nursing.

3. Promotes innovation and creativity in the practice environment.

4. Serves as a preceptor and mentor for new employees.

5. Approaches problems appropriately and reports questionable situations to the Nurse Manager, seeks appropriate resources in unclear situations.

6. Accepts constructive feedback about performance or behaviors and shows evidence of change.

7. Demonstrates verbal and writing skills that are appropriate for healthcare communication.

8. Attends 50% of staff meetings; and/or 100%of the time reads and/or initials the staff meeting minutes.

Department of Nursing and Organization Support

1. Communicates support of organizational values and strategies.

2. Supports the following organizational programs: Magnet®, Joint Commission Disease Specific Certification, Nursing Councils, and integrates their standards into clinical practice.

3. Reviews nursing quality data, e.g. NDNQI and identifies how to apply best practice into own practice and mentor others towards meeting quality target goals.

Departmental Support

1. Maintains equipment in working order. Uses equipment appropriately, follows Department policies for equipment and supply use and maintenance.

2. Performs assigned duties to maintain unit in a state of survey readiness and maintain quality initiatives. For example, quality control measures, equipment checks, medication preparation area cleanliness, etc.

3. Integrates principles of infection control & infection prevention into practice.

4. Uses personal protective equipment as appropriate and per policy for Chemotherapy Administration Standard Precautions and prevention of injury. (e.g. gloves face mask/shield, etc.).

Management Responsibilities:

1. Ensures the patient care area is cared for, maintained, clean, and secure for patients, visitors, and staff

2. Assists the Director and Clinical Manager with compliance for policies, procedures, regulations, and standards of care.

3. Completes or delegates shift appropriate inventory and quality control checks: supply inventory, Waived test quality control (protein urine dipstick), billing information.