TEST JOB!

Job Title:             Medical Oncology Nurse aka Acute Care Nurse

Reports To:        Nursing Supervisor / Nursing Director

Location:             Springdale/Fayetteville/Rogers/Mountain Home – depending on the position, employees may be asked to move locations from time to time based on clinic and patient needs. 

FLSA:                    Non-Exempt / Hourly

Job Summary:

The Medical Oncology Nurse provides continuity of care to medical oncology patients, while practicing within the professional boundaries established by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing.

Job Duties / Responsibilities:

• Will have extensive knowledge of chemotherapy and biotherapy, which includes administration, indications, immediate and long-term side effects, and is able to instruct/educate patients and families in these areas.
• Will provide direct patient care and infusion services to oncology patients, as well as to patients referred from gastroenterology, immunology, neurology, rheumatology, and other specialties.
• Knowledgeable about various venous and arterial access devices.
• Knowledgeable about lab results and diagnostic findings and can educate patients when needed.
• Nurses assisting in specialty areas will receive additional training:
• Procedure Nurses will assist with procedures such as bone marrow biopsies, central line placement, paracentesis, thoracentesis, and lumbar puncture. They will receive additional training in the delivery of conscious sedation and patient monitoring.
• Nurses assisting with radiopharmaceuticals will receive training in the care of the patient receiving radiopharmaceutical and radiation safety measures.
• Refill Nurses will receive training in prescription refills.
• Research Chemo Nurses will receive training on each specific clinical trial.
• Triage nurses will receive training in telephone triage and remote patient monitoring.
• Competent in the use of the EMR and patient documentation.
• Coordinate patient care activities with Social Workers and other departments
• Must demonstrate the ability to communicate and delegate tasks to other members of the healthcare team in an appropriate and professional manner.
• Provides and maintains patient confidentiality and maintain confidentiality regarding clinic matters.
• Adheres to clinic standards, policies, and procedures, as well as being cost effective.
• Attends bi-monthly nursing meetings or reads the minutes if unable to attend.

Required Skills/Abilities: 

• Must possess strong clinical skills in patient assessment and obtaining pertinent medical history
• Ability to communicate clearly with the physician and other members of the healthcare team.
• Has the ability to make independent nursing judgments, which includes triaging patient issues, symptom management, emergency management, and taking appropriate action, collaborating with the physician as needed.
• Acts with skill during stressful or in emergency situations
• Able to work independently, as well as a team member
• Maintains a high standard of professional performance, behavior, and appearance

Certifications/Licenses/Education/or Experience in a related field: 

• Graduate of accredited school of nursing
• Possess a valid and current Arkansas state license.
• BLS course completion required.
• Completion of ACLS course is optional but required for Procedure Nurses.
• ONS Chemotherapy and Biotherapy course completion is required for all Infusion Nurses, 3 to 4 months after hire and then every two-year renewal.
• Certification as an Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN) is encouraged.

• Employees will keep all licenses, certifications, and BLS current.
• ACLS must be kept current for Procedure Nurses.
• Maintain continuing education hours as needed to maintain licensure.
• Demonstrates ongoing professional growth through and participation in relevant education endeavors and appropriate associations such as the Oncology Nursing Society

Physical Requirements: 

• Stamina and endurance – prolonged standing and walking for significant positions of each shift, which may consist of long hours.
• Strength and mobility – lifting and transferring patients in moving, repositioning, or transferring from wheelchairs or exam tables in addition to the possibility of moving medical equipment such as wheelchairs, IV stands, etc.
• Manual dexterity is required for precise hand movements related to inserting IV lines, handling instruments, and drawing blood.
• Physical Coordination needed for responding to emergencies quickly and efficiently along with fine motor skills that allow for good hand-eye coordination and steady hands.
• Flexibility and agility for reaching, bending, stooping, and quick adaptation to patient needs.
• Visual and auditory acuity is required for reading medical charts, monitoring patient vitals, and detecting physical changes in patients. Good hearing is needed to hear alarms, monitor beeping, and verbal communication from patients and coworkers.
• Good posture and proper body mechanics are key in performing repetitive and non-repetitive tasks.
• Physical resilience is needed to handle challenging situations like multiple patients with varying degrees of mobility and health.

Work Environment: 

• The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
• Due to the nature of our business and the use of radiation and hazardous chemicals, it is imperative that all employees foster a culture and environment of safety.
• Safety Sensitive: In accordance with Arkansas code this position is designated as a safety sensitive position wherein the employee performing the job duties under the influence may constitute a threat to health or safety.

Other Duties: Please note this job description is not designed to be exhaustive.  The employee may be required to perform other duties as assigned.