DEPARTMENT: Medical Oncology Clinic and Infusion/Chemotherapy

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.

The nurse member must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served on his or her assigned unit. The individual must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to his or her age-specific needs, and to provide the care needed as described in the unit's/area's/department's policies and procedures.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Current Wyoming licensure as a Registered Professional Nurse.

EXPERIENCE

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

SKILLS

Knowledge of infusion and chemotherapy nursing principles; knowledge of aseptic techniques and infection control principles. Able to perform effectively in highly stressful situations. Must be able to interact effectively with a wide variety of people. Excellent communication skills. Able to serve as an example to other employees. Provide compassionate care to the hematology and oncology patient population.

REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

BLS 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
• Delegating to and supervising 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.
• Assists physician as needed. Ensures that all information is available.
• Obtains patient histories. Takes and records various readings such as heart and respiratory rate, blood pressure, weight, body temperature, mental status, etc.
• Obtains laboratory results.
• Collects samples from patients including blood, urine, etc. Prepares samples for analysis or shipment.
• Provides educational information to patients, family, etc. pertaining to the administration of chemotherapy. Answers inquiries and provides advice as needed.
• Schedules radiological studies. Makes follow up patient appointments or follows up on patient appointments. Answers routine questions from patients, and family. Obtains referrals, etc.
• Consults with other medical personnel and may provide expert information about chemotherapy, side effects, etc.
• Assists with initiating pre-authorizations for chemotherapy, infusions, or radiology procedures with the assistance of Patient Financial Services as required.
• Performs 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 patient 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 as 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.
• Assures supplies are stocked and outdates are checked.
• May be required to do other related duties for which the individual is qualified.