About this role
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 APPs; 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.
Qualifications
Educa tion:
- Graduate from an accredited School of Nursing
- Bachelors 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
- Bachelors 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.