Registered Nurse - Medical Oncology

MAIN FUNCTION:

The Level II Medical Oncology Nurse is accountable for provision of professional nursing care for Falck Cancer Center (FCC) patients, family members and care givers in collaboration with the oncology services team, assuming an expanded role. Responsible for helping the patient, family and care giver understand the effects of cancer and its treatment and providing instruction and support for meeting daily needs, assuming an expanded role, which may include charge nurse, preceptor, and committee member responsibilities. The medical oncology nurse assures that nursing practice is consistent with the Arnot Health and FCC nursing policies and procedures and, as appropriate, ANA/ASCO/ONS Standards of Oncology Nursing Practice guidelines. Reports to the Nurse Manager and works in collaboration with physicians on clinical matters.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Direct Patient Care

1. Conducts patient/family nursing assessment including physiologic, psychosocial, and developmental components. Provides competent and efficient direct patient care under medical orders of physicians. Independently safely and effectively administers chemotherapy and medications, assists during outpatient procedures (bone marrow biopsies, etc.), draws blood and collects other specimens as needed.

1. Documents assessments, patient care, medication administration, patient/family education, patient/family responses and care planning according to FCC /oncology standards.

1. Implements age-specific, culturally, and spiritually competent nursing interventions and education to address patient/family needs and response to procedures, therapies, and medications.

1. Identifies patient problems and coordinates individualized health teaching of patients, family and care givers, developing a plan of care following standards and long-term goals.

1. Collaborates with FCC and the Arnot Health oncology services teams, including physicians, radiation therapy nurse and technicians, and other professional staff, in delivering high quality patient care. Facilitates continuity of patient care.

1. Evaluates basic and complex patient/family response to procedures, therapies and medications identifying concerns/issues and revising plan of care based on patient and/or family response.

1. Responds effectively to patient telephone calls and follow up to assess patient, family and care giver status and revises care plans, or arranges for appropriate intervention with appropriate communication skills.

1. As new treatment modalities are developed and implemented obtains training and skills appropriate to assisting with procedures.

SERVICE EXCELLENCE

1. Maintains positive relationships with all members of the healthcare team. Listens and communicates effectively with healthcare members, patients and families

1. Resolves conflict positively and in a timely manner, working directly with co-workers to address issues

1. Treats patients, family and staff with kindness, courtesy and respect for diverse viewpoints and cultures

1. Treats co-workers with courtesy, consideration, respect, and trust; Functions as an effective member of the team

1. Demonstrates flexibility in scheduling and assignments to meet patient and unit goals

EDUCATION, INSTITUTIONAL AND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT, OTHER

1. Participates in the Quality Improvement activities of the FCC and the Arnot Health (i.e. QIA). Assists with collection of data to support performance improvement activities.

1. Demonstrates professional image, attitude, and behaviors consistent with the philosophy of the Arnot Health, the FCC, as well as the nursing profession. Consistently maintains good interpersonal and communicative skills with hospital personnel, FCC staff, physicians, patients/families, and the general public.

1. Accepts and acts on constructive feedback from leadership, peers, and colleagues in a positive manner.

1. Maintains and assures availability of timely patient support and teaching materials, supplies and equipment.

1. Reviews and evaluates evidence from literature and best practice standards for application to patient and unit needs. Assumes responsibility for continuing education relevant to personal and professional learning.

1. Participates in the Arnot Health, FCC and department committees and staff meetings. Attends and completes all mandatory education as required for position.

1. Employee understands and demonstrates the importance of satisfying the needs of the customer/patient by interaction with him/her in a friendly and caring way, being attentive to the customer's needs, both psychologically and physically, and by taking the initiative to maintain communication with the customer to provide a secure and pleasant experience with the Arnot Health.

1. It is understood that this job description lists typical duties for the classification and is not to be considered inclusive of all duties which may be assigned.

EDUCATION:

Registered professional nurse with current NYS license. BSN preferred. Demonstrated competence and progressive leadership experience in nursing. Specialized preparation through education and experience in oncology/chemotherapy administration. ONS Chemotherapy/Biotherapy competency required and maintained. ONS certification preferred. Current BLS required.

EXPERIENCE:

Three-to-five-year experience as a Medical Oncology Nurse strongly preferred.

CARDIOPULMONARY RESUSCITATION (CPR) REQUIREMENTS:

Basic Life Support (BLS) required within 90 days of hire date.

GENERAL & PERSONAL:

Ability to maintain good interpersonal relationships among staff, physicians, and other hospital personnel. Must possess competent communicative skills, with ability to effectively relate to a wide cross section of individuals, including hospital personnel, FCC staff, physicians, as well as with patient/families and the general public.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Appreciable physical effort required; lifting, pulling, pushing, and moving patients of various size, capabilities and abilities. Some lifting, reaching, and stooping. Required to be on feet much of the time.

EXPOSURE CATEGORY:

Category I. Tasks that involve exposure to blood, body fluids or tissues. Direct, routine handling of hazardous

drugs (HDs). This includes administering, and cleaning up antineoplastic agents, posing a risk of skin absorption,

inhalation, or accident. Adherence to PPE and safe handling policies required.