Radiation Oncology Nurse BWH

About the role

The Radiation Oncology staff nurse assesses, plans, implements, and evaluates nursing care for a complex patient population, with emphasis on intraprocedural nursing care including patient assessment, monitoring, clinical support, and timely intervention during radiation oncology procedures. The role provides patient and family education, clinical support, and psychosocial and emotional support before, during, and after treatment, including brachytherapy procedures (preop, intraop, postop) under anesthesia, pediatric anesthesia treatments, external beam treatments, and procedural recovery. Nursing care is provided to both adult and pediatric patients of all ages. The staff nurse works as part of a multidisciplinary care team and communicates and collaborates effectively with colleagues and staff at BWH, MGB, DFCI, and collaborating institutions and agencies.

Responsibilities

• Assess, plan, implement, and evaluate nursing care for assigned patients in accordance with Nursing Standards of Care
• Set priorities when organizing care for patients with varying acuity
• Maintain continuity through clear and concise verbal and written communication
• Develop a comprehensive plan of care based on data from initial assessment, other healthcare team members, intra-agency referral, and previous medical records
• Develop and implement a comprehensive educational plan for the patient and family
• Develop a comprehensive discharge plan utilizing appropriate resources and referrals including community resources
• Evaluate the effectiveness of the plan of care, document progress, and revise as needed to achieve desired outcomes
• Participate actively in unit-based and organizational quality management and/or quality improvement programs
• Provide a safe environment for patients, staff, family, and visitors
• Administer medication safely according to established policies and procedures
• Perform nursing procedures safely and efficiently; use equipment safely and efficiently
• Demonstrate awareness of potential/actual risks of infection and modes of transmission; utilize universal precautions
• Interact with patients, families, and colleagues in a professional manner
• Collaborate with other disciplines and develop, utilize, and evaluate unit-specific standards of care
• Uphold the ANA Code of Ethics and act as a role model to other staff members
• Participate in determining and implementing goals and objectives for the unit and serve on unit-based and organizational committees
• Assume responsibility for personal and professional growth; share knowledge and experience with colleagues
• Utilize nursing research findings in clinical practice and support investigators in nursing and/or medical research endeavors
• Utilize time and materials in an effective and economical manner; provide suggestions that support cost-effective healthcare
• Assess patient acuity accurately when making decisions regarding staffing, transfers, and assignments
• Participate in the orientation of new staff members, students, and others as appropriate
• Provide input into the clinical evaluation of other staff as appropriate
• Assume responsibility for the unit in the absence of leadership personnel
• Adhere to hospital and nursing policies and aid in their interpretation to others
• Recommend changes in policies and procedures through appropriate channels
• Participate in the cooperative effort and peer support required for the smooth running of the unit

Qualifications

• Graduate of an approved school of nursing with current registration in Massachusetts
• For newly licensed nurses, a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing is required
• PALS Certification must be obtained within 1 year of hire
• 5+ years of recent radiation oncology experience required
• Ambulatory clinic experience preferred

Skills and Abilities

• Evidence of basic analytic thinking necessary to care for a group of patients
• Observational skills and the ability to set priorities
• Ability to function under stress with good interpersonal and communication skills
• Effective skills in applying hospital standards in area of service, teamwork, communication, respect for others, and time/priority management

Physical Requirements

• Stand and walk for prolonged periods during the workday
• Regularly lift items weighing up to and exceeding 50 lbs., and push and pull equipment or loads exceeding 100 lbs., with or without reasonable accommodation
• Frequent bending, stooping, reaching, twisting, and repositioning of patients and equipment
• Works in ambulatory clinics and sterile, procedural areas with exposure to communicable diseases and hazardous materials such as chemotherapeutic agents, blood, radioisotopes, and radiation

Schedule

Department hours are 6:30 am – 7:30 pm (approximately). Nurses work four 10-hour shifts, Monday–Friday, rotating between any of the department operating hours. During orientation, hours may include evenings and weekends. New graduate nurses may rotate through inpatient and procedural areas to develop required skills.

Pay

Pay range: $41.71 – $105.65/hour (Grade MNA333)