Staff infusion Nurse - Merrimack Valley (32 hrs/wk)

About the role

The Oncology Registered Nurse at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute focuses on patient assessment, education, care coordination, therapy administration, symptom management, and supportive care for oncology and hematology patients. Responsibilities include assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of nursing care for a complex patient population, administration of chemotherapy and other medications and infusions, telephone nursing care, direct patient care, and charge capture/billing for all services rendered. The role provides patient and family education, psychosocial and emotional support, and requires collaboration within a multidisciplinary team. Clinical expertise, critical thinking, collaborative practice, excellent communication skills, and an understanding of clinical research principles are essential.

Responsibilities

• Deliver expert, evidence-based nursing care to patients and families by implementing the nursing process: assessment, nursing diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation.
• Assess patient and family needs and promote healthcare outcomes aligned with clinical practice guidelines.
• Analyze assessment data to support clinically accurate diagnoses and collaborate with interdisciplinary team members to maximize patient outcomes.
• Plan care by establishing measurable goals, implement the plan, and evaluate patient responses to interventions.
• Document care according to Institute and regulatory requirements.
• Administer medications and treatments, including chemotherapy, safely and efficiently in accordance with Institute policy; may administer blood transfusions.
• Evaluate educational and psychological needs of patients and families and incorporate them into the plan of care.
• Educate patients and families about treatment modalities, symptom management, and disease processes.
• Review patient clinical status and laboratory values pre-treatment and consult with providers as appropriate.
• Determine need for patient referrals to interdisciplinary team members and identify community resources to promote continuity of care.
• Manage patient care across the continuum, including referrals to home care and hospice as necessary.
• Prepare and administer chemotherapy/biotherapy and supportive therapy in accordance with ASCO/ONS Guidelines.
• Recognize and respond to emergency situations appropriately; maintain BLS certification.
• Provide telephone triage according to policies and document interactions.
• Perform technical skills including intravenous therapy (peripheral and central venous access), safe handling of hazardous and cytotoxic agents, and chemotherapy administration (vesicant and non-vesicant medications).
• Support the DFCI Nursing Department Professional Practice Model and Quality Plan.
• Accurately record charges for all services rendered and collaborate with Clinic Assistant to maintain supply inventory.
• Serve as a resource to medical personnel in other facilities, providing telephone consultation to promote optimal oncology practices.
• Establish rapport with patients and families from diverse cultural, ethnic, and religious backgrounds, respecting privacy and confidentiality.
• Develop individualized problem-solving approaches and demonstrate knowledge and skills to provide age-specific care.
• Promote a culture of inclusion and foster an environment sensitive to diverse needs including culture, ethnicity, gender, and age.
• Monitor the environment of care for patient safety and regulatory compliance; adhere to applicable policies and the ANA Code of Ethics.
• Base care on Standards of Oncology Nursing Practice and Oncology Nursing Society Chemotherapy Guidelines.
• Work collaboratively as an effective member of the healthcare team, demonstrating excellent communication, conflict management, and delegation skills.
• Function as a contributing member to multidisciplinary teams, participate in committees and initiatives, and accept additional responsibilities as needed.
• Seek opportunities for professional growth by setting goals, attending in-services and seminars, sharing knowledge, and acting as a preceptor and mentor.
• Meet annual evaluation requirements and competencies; pursue active membership in professional organizations.

Qualifications

• Licensure as a Registered Nurse in Massachusetts or New Hampshire.
• Bachelor’s degree in nursing strongly preferred; associate degree candidates must complete a BSN within 4 years.
• Completion of the Oncology Nurse Residency Program or 1 year of recent experience as a Registered Nurse; ambulatory and/or oncology experience preferred.
• Professional nursing certification (e.g., OCN, BMTCN, CPHON, AOCNP, CRNI, RN-BC) preferred; AHA BLS certification required (AHA ACLS acceptable as minimum).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively as a member of an interdisciplinary team.
• Strong critical thinking, problem-solving, and independent decision-making skills.
• Ability to function in a busy setting with patients with complex needs; IV skills strongly preferred.
• Work tasks require mobility (walking, standing, climbing, sitting, bending, reaching) and occasional lifting; good hearing and vision for patient interactions and reading medical documents.
• Excellent listening skills, ability to identify issues, and resolve them in alignment with quality care goals.
• Ability to balance multiple tasks, manage interruptions, and maintain focus; strong telephone communication skills.
• Ability to speak, read, and write English and perform mathematical pharmaceutical calculations.
• Demonstrates understanding of special needs and behaviors across age groups from young adult to geriatric.