Chemotherapy RN

Responsible for administration of medications including hazardous drugs within the SCTC infusion suite. Responsible for assessing all aspects of patient care while receiving treatment and works closely with oncology providers to ensure needs are met.

Qualifications:

• Education
  • Minimum Requirements: Graduate from accredited school of nursing
  • Preferred At Hire: BSN
• Certification/Licensure (including annual requirements)
  • Minimum Requirements: Current NC or Multistate RN license; CPR; ACLS
  • Preferred at Hire: Nationally recognized certification in Oncology Nursing
• Experience (Years/Type)
  • Preferred at Hire: 3 years RN experience in oncology setting, preferably chemotherapy infusion
• Equipment (Experience and/or Training)
  • Minimum Requirement: Competent in basic nursing skills
• Specialized Training
  • Preferred at Hire: OCN
• Computer Skills (Hardware & Software)
  • Preferred at Hire: Basic computer skills and Internet Explorer skills
• Other Skills and Competencies

Minimum Requirements: Demonstrates excellent communication skills, both written and verbal. Diplomacy, tact, and a positive approach to problem solving are required to be successful. Organizational skills are a must. Fosters a teamwork environment. Must be able to communicate with patients, customers, other departments, and staff in an articulate manner.

Job Duties and Standards

1. Staff RN Responsibilities
   1. Demonstrates expertise in the application of the nursing process:
      • Age Specific Competency: Staff members will have knowledge of human growth and development though the life span of the patient and have the ability to meet the needs of and provide care of these patients. The age categories to be included are: Young Adult/Adult 18-64 years; Adult/Middle Aged 65-79 years; Geriatric 80 years
      • Performs and documents an in-depth nursing history to include, but not limit, chief complaint, health care status, allergies, meds, past medical history, treatment prior to arrival, and other pertinent information. This will be evaluated by random chart audit.
      • Reassesses patient status at established time frames, and as indicated by the patient’s status.
      • Assesses teaching needs for the patient and family based on the nursing actions, patient outcomes, and patient goals.
   2. Develops an individualized approach with patient input to deliver nursing care to the patient in a manner that is appropriate to the patient’s age, physical ability and intellectual development:
      • Collaborates with interdisciplinary team to develop an integrated plan consistent with the medical plan of care in a way that considers patient dignity, privacy, comfort and safety in accordance with the patient’s Bill of Rights.
      • Ensures the plan of care and desired outcomes are mutually agreed upon by the patient, family and significant other.
   3. Performs nursing actions and interventions according to recognized patient care needs, an established plan and in accordance with policy and procedure.
      • Performs nursing care according to the medical provider’s orders and nursing plan of care within the scope of hospital and nursing department policies and procedures.
      • Facilitates continuity of care by assuring the needs of the patients are recognized and addressed throughout coordination with other health care team members.
        • Evaluates and documents effectiveness of treatment in the medical record.
        • Anticipates potential patient problems and performs nursing actions to minimize those problems in a timely manner to ensure safety.
        • Communicates appropriate data to the physician, and provides documentation for same
      • Provides calm, supportive and therapeutic environment for patients and their families.
      • Delivers care in a non-judgmental and non-discriminatory manner, being sensitive to patient and cultural diversities.
      • Demonstrates competency in performing nursing care actions and interventions as evidenced by completion of competency requirements and department skills checklist.
      • Administers medications (including IV fluids) and hazardous drugs according to hospital policy and procedures and practices safety techniques (e.g. observes for side effects, appropriate rate of administration, aware of common drug interactions) as evidenced by compliance with medication error policy.
      • Accepts responsibility for intervention in an emergency situation as evidenced by documentation of actions taken and peer evaluation. Is able to recognize and function appropriately under stress or in a crisis situation.
   4. Assures open and timely communication with emergency patients, their significant others, and team members to ensure the occurrence of effective therapeutic interventions.
      • Communicates with physicians, other nurses, attending physicians, team members, and resource personnel concerning patient care status effectively and in a timely manner to maintain optimal patient flow within the department.
      • Acts as a liaison to the patient and family by providing accurate and timely information to assist patient and family participation in Cancer Center.
      • Gives report on patients admitted to the hospital or being transferred to another department from the Cancer Center to other health care members with accurate information, including patient care given and patient condition, to maintain continuity of care.
      • Positively represents the hospital in all interactions with the public.
   5. Ensures accuracy and relevancy of patient records and other hospital documents.
      • Maintains thorough, accurate, complete and legible documentation, as evidenced by chart review.
   6. Maintains an environment which promotes safety for both the hospital associate and the patient.
      • Demonstrates knowledge of the patients who are at high risk for falls or injury.
      • Always utilizes patient ID bracelet system.
   7. Adhere to standards of practice within the department, recognizing learning needs to maximize level of knowledge and expertise.
      • Develops new knowledge and skills in the use of equipment and new procedures as evidenced by competency checklist completion and personal record of continuing education.
      • Demonstrates willingness and ability to assist other staff with work load in a positive manner.
      • Displays a willingness to adjust own schedule to meet department needs.
      • Functions independently, works well with little supervision.
      • Understands and initiates policies and procedures specific to Cancer Center.
   8. Reviews and signs off patient chart at end of shift.