RN - Cancer Center Registered Nurse

Responsibilities

1. Affirms patient health status and identifies health care needs.
2. Evaluates laboratory values and notifies physician of abnormalities; assesses continuation of medication.
3. Provides instruction in the disease process to the patient and family, emphasizing self-care measures to minimize side effects.
4. Verifies chemotherapy orders per protocol to validate drug dosage; demonstrates knowledge of central venous access devices and their maintenance.
5. Administers intravenous infusions and injections as ordered by the physician through established policies and procedures; assesses patients' intravenous therapy needs and inserts appropriate vascular access devices accordingly.
6. Schedules pre- and post-treatment testing to aid in recognition of disease state, treatment plan, and toxicities; communicates with patients concerning laboratory data, rescheduling, and coordinating follow-up care.
7. Reassesses patient and works with physicians to provide satisfactory management of treatment-related side effects.
8. In conjunction with social work and pastoral care, provides counseling/crisis intervention for adapting to and coping with changing health needs.
9. Coordinates discharge planning for patient home care needs including home health assistance, physical and occupational therapies, equipment, and hospice services.
10. Seeks professional growth of self and others and attends in-service education programs; functions as a preceptor to new staff.
11. Functions as a charge nurse, as assigned.
12. In conjunction with the Patient Care Manager and Clinical Research Coordinator, collects and maintains protocol information/data and documentation to ensure that research study protocols are appropriately applied and that study patients are monitored and reported as required.
13. Encourages and participates in multidisciplinary consultation, tumor conference, and/or healthcare teams.
14. Appropriately documents health care provided according to policies and procedures ensuring that accurate patient charges can be generated for services provided.
15. Affirms relevant clinical or professional issues appropriate for nursing research or performance improvement initiatives and assists healthcare team to keep program up to date.
16. Mets performance expectations for Customer Service, Teamwork, Resource Utilization, and Staff and Self Development as outlined in performance review.
17. Performs other duties as assigned or directed to ensure smooth operation of the department/unit.
18. DIRECTS OTHERS
19. Delegates to and directs the tasks assigned to Patient Care Assistant, HUCs, Medical Assistants, and Students; follows up on assigned tasks.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) preferred or currently matriculating.
• Must have successfully completed ONS Chemotherapy/Biotherapy course and OCN within a year of hire.
• Minimum of 2 years of med surg, oncology, or infusion experience preferred.
• Current State of Connecticut Registered Nurse License Required.
• BLS certification required.