Staff Nurse- Per Diem

About the Role

The Oncology Registered Nurse is focused on patient assessment, patient education, coordination of care, administration of therapy, symptom management, and supportive care for Oncology and Hematology patients at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Responsibilities include caring for individuals receiving therapy for oncologic and hematologic problems, administering chemotherapy and other medications, telephone nursing care, direct patient care, and charge capture/billing. The nurse provides patient and family education, psychosocial and emotional support, and collaborates with a multidisciplinary care team. This role requires clinical expertise, critical thinking, collaborative practice, excellent communication skills, and an understanding of clinical research principles and practices.

Responsibilities

• Delivers expert, evidence-based nursing care to patients and families by implementing the nursing process: assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation.
• Assesses patient and family needs, promotes health care outcomes, and collaborates with interdisciplinary team members to facilitate and maximize patient healthcare outcomes.
• Plans care by establishing goals with measurable outcomes, implements the plan, and evaluates patient responses to interventions.
• Administers medications, treatments (including chemotherapy), and procedures safely and efficiently according to Institute policy, including blood transfusions.
• Evaluates educational and psychological needs of patients and families, incorporating them into the plan of care.
• Educates patients and families about disease treatment modalities, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and symptom management.
• Reviews patient clinical status and laboratory values pre-treatment and consults with providers as appropriate.
• Identifies and makes referrals to interdisciplinary team members and community resources to promote continuity of care.
• Manages patient care across the continuum, including referrals to home care and hospice.
• Prepares and administers chemotherapy, biotherapy, and supportive therapy in accordance with ASCO/ONS Guidelines.
• Recognizes and responds to emergency situations appropriately; maintains BLS certification.
• Provides telephone triage according to policies and documents interactions.
• Performs technical skills including intravenous therapy, safe handling of hazardous agents, and chemotherapy administration.
• Complies with professional nursing practice standards and regulatory requirements.
• Accurately records charges for services rendered and collaborates on supply inventory.
• Serves as a resource to medical personnel in other health facilities to promote optimal oncology practices.
• Establishes rapport with patients and families from diverse cultural, ethnic, and religious backgrounds.
• Manages the environment of care with attention to patient safety and regulatory compliance.
• Works collaboratively as an effective member of the healthcare team, including delegating and supervising assistive personnel.
• Participates in committees, councils, and quality improvement initiatives.
• Seeks opportunities for professional growth, including attending workshops, acting as a preceptor, and pursuing membership in professional organizations.

Requirements

• Licensure as a Registered Nurse in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts or New Hampshire.
• A bachelor’s degree in nursing is strongly preferred; candidates with an associate degree must complete a BSN within 4 years.
• Completion of the Oncology Nurse Residency Program (ONRP) 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 a minimum requirement).

Skills

• Demonstrated ability to work as an effective member of an interdisciplinary team.
• Critical thinking, problem-solving, and ability to make independent decisions.
• Ability to function in a busy work setting with patients who have complex needs.
• IV skills strongly preferred.
• Physical ability to perform tasks requiring walking, standing, climbing, sitting, bending, reaching, and occasional lifting.
• Good hearing and vision for interactions, telecommunications, and reading medical documents.
• Excellent communication, listening, and organizational skills.
• Ability to balance multiple tasks, handle interruptions, and manage stress.
• Proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing in English, and performing pharmaceutical calculations.
• Understanding of special needs and behaviors of age groups served (young adult to geriatric).

Pay

$82,367.58 - $124,614.60