Nurse Infusion RN

About the role

The Infusion Therapy RN is responsible for the comprehensive holistic care of oncology and non-oncology patients being infused with chemotherapy, biologic therapy agents, blood products, fluids, and other medications. This position provides longitudinal comprehensive nursing care to oncology/hematology patients and to non-oncology patients requiring infusion therapy and complex cancer treatments. This position works in collaboration with all members of the healthcare team to achieve the best possible outcomes for the patient.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrates a high level of understanding of oncology illnesses and treatment modalities.
• Demonstrates the ability to assess baseline physical, emotional and social needs.
• Provides clinical and technical oversight to patients requiring infused or injected chemotherapy, biologic therapy, blood products, and other agents.
• Performs a nursing assessment prior to and during each infusion or treatment per policy and procedure of the medical center.
• Has knowledge of agents infused including the potential drug toxicities, side effects, proper methods of administration, and interventions necessary for the safety of the patient.
• Safely prepares infusion and pump set-up for each drug that is infused.
• Follows parental administration policy and procedure of the medical center for the medications given.
• Maintains a working knowledge of current protocols related to the patient population. Knows research resources and how to access.
• Maintains and develops IV/CVAD skills.
• Maintains knowledge of current ONS and INS standards.
• Fulfills other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Current licensure in the state of Washington (RCW 18.88) or licensure through Multistate Nurse Licensure Compact (SSB 5499).
• Current BLS Health Provider card and renewal every two years.
• Chemotherapy/Biotherapy certification within the first year of employment.
• Additional certifications may be required dependent on department needs.
• Ability to work independently and to use critical thinking; the ability to practice the cognitive skills of analyzing, applying standards, discriminating, information seeking, logical reasoning, predicting, and transforming knowledge.
• Ability to develop clinical judgment.
• Ability to communicate effectively by looking and listening for cues, asking open-ended questions, exploring cues, using pauses, screening responses, and clarifying response.
• Ability to effectively listen by using reflecting, acknowledging, summarizing, empathizing, and paraphrasing skills.
• Ability to effectively provide information by checking what information the person knows already, giving small amounts of detail at a time, using clear terms, avoiding jargon, avoiding detail unless requested, checking for understanding, pausing, and waiting for a response.
• Ability to effectively utilize time management skills; the ability to organize and manage time constraints, to independently manage tasks including basic computer skills and EMR.
• Demonstrates capability to multitask with accuracy and deal effectively with unpredictable situations.
• Desired IV/Central Line experience and Oncology experience.
• Knowledge of infused and injectable medications for the treatment of various diagnoses ordered by Specialty providers.
• OCN certification.

Physical/Sensory Demands

• Walking – FSitting/Standing – FReaching: Shoulder height – OReaching: Above shoulder height – FReaching: Below shoulder height – OClimbing – OPulling/Pushing: 25 pounds or less – FPulling/Pushing: 25 pounds to 50 pounds – OPulling/Pushing: Over 50 pounds – OLifting: 25 pounds or less – FLifting: 25 pounds to 50 pounds – FLifting: Over 50 pounds – FCarrying: 25 pounds or less – FCarrying: 25 pounds to 50 pounds – OCarrying: Over 50 pounds – OCrawling/Kneeling – FBending/Stooping/Crouching – FTwisting/Turning – FRepetitive Movement – F