Registered Nurse

Tennessee Oncology, one of the nation’s largest community-based cancer care specialists, is home to one of the leading clinical trial networks in the country. Established in 1976 in Nashville, our mission remains unchanged: to provide access to high-quality cancer care and the expertise of clinical research for all patients, at convenient locations within their community and close to their home.

About the role

Provides patients with safe, quality care throughout their treatment and disease process as effectively as possible at all stages of diagnosis to end of life. Helps patients manage and live with diagnosis, retaining autonomy and independence by using the most appropriate disease, symptom, and psychosocial management techniques.

Responsibilities

• Coordinates and performs direct patient care, collaborating with other care providers and team members.
• Reviews, updates, and verifies all patient-required data is present and available prior to and during each visit.
• Collaborates with physician/provider to assess and treat symptoms related to disease, treatment, disease progression, as well as acute illnesses.
• Performs telephone triage utilizing critical assessment skills to evaluate patient concerns and needs.
• Starts peripheral IVs, manages central venous access devices including accessing and deaccessing implanted ports.
• Mixes and/or administers chemotherapy and other drugs according to Tennessee Oncology (TO) standards after training and competency validation.
• Administers and documents administration of chemo, bio, targeted therapy, and/or research study drugs (if applicable to clinic location) according to TO practice standards.
• Follows all policies, procedures, and standards related to the use of the drug cabinet, including drug verification, administration, documentation, and billing.
• Documents charges for services performed and medications administered.
• Ensures timely collection of all ordered laboratory specimens.
• Monitors PT/INR results and works with the provider to manage anticoagulation/Coumadin therapy.
• Manages prescription/refill extension requests per TO policy, procedure, and standards.
• Assists with provider-performed procedures (e.g., bone marrow biopsies and skin punch biopsies).
• Coordinates provision of supportive care with appropriate hospital staff (e.g., blood product transfusions).
• Conducts patient education and documents patient readiness to learn and understanding of teaching and/or information provided during the informed consent process.
• Completes forms and other necessary paperwork for patient assistance, patient employment, and insurance (e.g., FMLA, short- and long-term disability).
• Screens patients routinely for needs and/or distress and provides appropriate counseling, interventions, and referrals to community/support services.
• Uses an empathetic and caring approach with patients at all times.
• Demonstrates ability to effectively navigate within the Electronic Medical Record (EMR).
• Documents patient information and services performed in the EMR.
• Completes required daily, weekly, and monthly drug/sample drug inventory counts, supply requests, waste documentation, audits, and billing entries.
• Informs Clinic/Operations Manager of clinic needs and concerns relating to the work environment.
• Supervises LPNs, CNAs, and MAs.
• Stocks and manages inventory and supplies.
• Generates and reviews daily clinical reports for completion and accuracy.
• Adheres to practice standards and Policy and Procedures.
• Travels to other TO clinics as needed.
• Participates in committees and focus groups as requested.
• Assumes responsibility for personal and professional growth.
• Completes required/assigned training, continuing education, and competency validations on time to accurately and successfully perform job expectations/responsibilities.
• Collaborates daily with dedicated clinic SCRI nurses, if applicable to location, to ensure adherence to research protocol as well as documentation of Sarah Cannon Research Institute (SCRI) specific paperwork required in the paper chart per protocol.

Requirements

• Current TN or compact state RN license.
• Minimum one-year RN experience (may be waived with Executive Director of Nursing approval).
• Current ONS Chemotherapy/Biotherapy card required within 6 months of hire. If less than one year of oncology experience at time of hire, within 9 months of hire.
• Current TO-approved BLS provider card.
• Oncology certification strongly recommended within 2 years of hire.
• Experience in an outpatient facility preferred.

Skills

• Knowledge of nursing principles and practices.
• Knowledge of oncology practices and treatments.
• Knowledge of current developments in cancer diagnosis and therapy.
• Knowledge of research practices for phases I, II, and III clinical trials.
• Ability to administer chemotherapy and other treatment therapies.
• Ability to empathize with patients and families and deal with grief and challenging patient interactions.
• Ability to collaborate with the healthcare team to create personalized treatment plans for each cancer patient.
• Ability to cope with death and dying.
• Oncology resource to colleagues, allied health personnel, and healthcare consumers.

Physical Requirements

• Must be willing and able to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to remain upright on the feet most of the time.
• Must be able to remain in a stationary position less than one-third of the time.
• Ability to communicate, distinguish sounds, and visualize.
• Regular manual dexterity.