Registered Nurse, Cancer Center - Office Practice

About the role

The oncology registered nurse assumes clinical responsibility for a specific caseload of patients, working under the direction of a physician. The nurse accesses the patient’s history and current condition, establishes and monitors the patient/family goals and outcomes, coordinates, monitors and evaluates patient care in the outpatient office and infusion setting. The oncology registered nurse also provides and implements patient/family education and home care needs.

Responsibilities

• Adheres to departmental and institution guidelines regarding mandatory and unit based competency performance evaluations.
• Administers injections and port flushes as per SBMC policies and procedures.
• Affords assessments, educates, and documents on extravasations using established policies and procedures.
• Aids patient and family members in coping by encouraging oral expression of feelings associated with fears and losses imposed by disease and treatment and makes appropriate psychosocial services referrals.
• Affords assistance in determining patient eligibility for research protocols.
• In conjunction with the physician, explains protocols to the patients and participates in protocols, completing the appropriate forms.
• Affords assistance to patient in the use of ambulation techniques and assistive devices such as commode chair, walker, hip chair and crutches and positioning of patient.
• Affords assistance with double check and verification of chemotherapy.
• Collaborates with physician in developing patient care plans, carrying out protocols, tests and examinations for the overall plan of care.
• Communicates and cooperates with other team members and community agencies in planning, implementing, coordinating and evaluating all services necessary to ensure completeness and continuity of care.
• Consults with physician regarding medical orders on patients, i.e. treatments, medications, care, diet and vital signs.
• Demonstrates proper procedure in caring for and maintenance of central lines.
• Demonstrates the ability to recognize hematological and oncological related emergencies and takes appropriate action when occurs.
• Demonstrates understanding of hospital policy and procedure regarding restraints.
• Evaluates effectiveness of interventions and revises plan of care accordingly.
• Integrates psychosocial, physical, nutritional and rehabilitation needs of the patient in patient care and discharge planning.
• Makes recommendations of patient care based on the medically prescribed treatment plan, nursing assessment, collaboration with other health team members and coordinates all services.
• Maintains nutritional status and provides education related to diet as appropriate.
• Observes, records and reports signs and symptoms of the disease process, changes in patient’s physical, emotional and social condition and responses to the therapeutic regimen.
• Participates in initial patient consult visit and subsequent office visits at the discretion of the physician.
• Performs and documents accurate neurological assessment as indicated by patient condition.
• Performs assessment and reassessment of patients according to applicable department standards and identified tools.
• Prioritizes work assignments according to patient care needs.
• Proactively reviews physician schedules prior to patient appointments to assess possible patient and physician needs.
• Provides appropriate oncology/chemotherapy related education to patients and families as per established standards of care, policies and procedures.
• Provides patient/family education according to the plan of care and documents in medical record.
• Reviews laboratory reports, documenting pertinent data in the patient chart, and brings abnormal results to the attention of the physician.
• Takes an active role in maintaining current knowledge and sharing the information gained with coworkers through follow up presentations.
• Teaches, demonstrates and supervises patient care techniques, preventive and rehabilitative measures to the patient, family, home health aide and other patient care personnel.
• Transmits pertinent patient information to appropriate individuals (i.e., MD, supervisor, discharge planner, etc).
• Uses an understanding of the principles of acute and chronic pain management to assess each patient’s individual needs and provide appropriate and specific treatment and care.
• Uses an understanding of the principles of growth and development to assess each patient’s age-specific needs and provide age-specific treatment and care.
• Provides a compassionate and supportive environment with prompt and consistent service.
• Adheres to patient rights: provides for the confidential treatment of all communications and records.
• Demonstrates professionalism with families, visitors, physicians, co-workers and supervisors.
• Listens and communicates effectively.
• Supports teamwork by cooperative problem solving through participation in meetings, projects, etc.

Requirements

• Graduate from an accredited school of nursing.
• Prefer Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing.
• Current New Jersey RN licensure required.
• BLS certification required.
• Previous Oncology nursing experience required.
• I.V. certified and chemotherapy certified required within first 6 months.
• Previous Office Nurse Practice Experience preferred.
• Successful completion of all Orientation programs.

Qualifications

• Graduate from an accredited school of nursing.
• Prefer Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing.
• Current New Jersey RN licensure required.
• BLS certification required.
• Previous Oncology nursing experience required.
• I.V. certified and chemotherapy certified required within first 6 months.
• Previous Office Nurse Practice Experience preferred.
• Successful completion of all Orientation programs.

Skills

• Understanding of the principles of acute and chronic pain management.
• Understanding of the principles of growth and development.

Benefits and Perks

• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Medical and Prescription Drug Insurance
• Dental and Vision Insurance
• Retail Plans
• Short & Long Term Disability
• Life & Accidental Death Insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Health Care/Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
• Wellness Programs
• Voluntary Benefits (e.g., Pet Insurance)
• Discounts through our partners, such as NJ Devils, NJ PAC, Verizon, and more!