RN - Infusion Therapy

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Obtain and monitor vital signs and observe for drug reactions.
• Access, assess and care for central lines, particularly venous access ports and PICC lines. Draw blood from central lines as ordered. Troubleshoot line issues.
• Administer chemotherapy using appropriate precautions and personal protective equipment.
• Administer non-chemotherapy drugs and blood products.
• Listen to patients and attend to their physical and emotional needs.
• Start peripheral IVs, monitor the site and discontinue the IV when treatment is completed.
• Provide health care education including information on chemotherapy, other drugs and the management of side effects and know when to call the physician.
• Note all physician orders with date, time and signature. Receive verbal physician orders and read back order per protocol.
• Complete accurate and pertinent nursing documentation prior to the end of the shift.
• Collaborate with other members of the cancer care team to provide individual holistic patient care.
• Make appropriate referrals to other departments.
• Respond professionally to patient phone calls and questions and document all interactions.
• Assist with data collection and helps implement the Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) for the assigned departments.
• Respond to emergency medical situations in an urgent manner and perform on the spot emergency assistance which may include first aid and/or CPR.
• Practices and behaves in a professional, safe and ethical manner at all times.
• Serves as a patient advocate.
• Maintains friendly and courteous interpersonal communication skills and a positive service attitude.
• Participates in performance improvement and educational activities. Completes all CEU’s as required by respective licensure. If licensed, maintains an active and current license.
• Works willingly and accepts assignments as given.
• Attends all mandatory meetings and programs.
• Participates in opportunities that enhance personal and professional growth.
• Performs other duties as necessary or assigned.
• Complies with the Corporate Compliance Policy and all laws, regulations, and Standards of Conduct relating to the position and agrees to report any suspected violations of law or Standards of Conduct.
• Complies with all applicable state and federal regulations and JCAHO standards.
• Maintains a safe work environment using safe work practices, utilizing standard precautions and complying with hazardous waste procedures at all times as described in St. Anthony's Safety Manual.
• Maintains the confidentiality of patient, resident, employee and organizational information.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This job has no supervisory responsibilities, however, may assist physician with special unit procedures and provide training, education, and guidance to assigned staff, such as L.P.N.s, C.M.A.s and/or C.N.A.s.

Carries out responsibilities in accordance with the department Director, organization’s policies and applicable laws.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience

• RN with state license required; Current license to practice nursing in the state. BSN preferred.
• Two years of experience as a professional nurse in a similar setting preferred.

Position Requirements, Certifications, Licenses, Registrations.

• Basic Life Support certification.
• ACLS certification within six months of employment.
• OCN (Oncology Certification) encouraged within two years of employment.
• Ability to create a caring, compassionate relationship with the patients and families.
• Ability to collaborate with the healthcare team to use evidence-based practice in providing care.
• Expertise in handling sophisticated medical equipment.
• Must possess effective time management skills.
• Ability to carry out assignments with minimal supervision and guidance.

Language Skills
Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before customers, patients, families and employees of the organization.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; talk and hear; and use hands to finger, handle or feel. The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch, and reach with hands and arms. The employee is frequently required to walk and sit. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 20 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, color vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. May be exposed to infectious diseases and occupational dangers like accidental needle pricks. Must be able to withstand physical and emotional stress.

Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be exposed to moving mechanical parts, fumes or airborne particles, risk of electrical shock, and blood borne pathogens. The employee may be exposed to unpleasant sights, odors, and materials. The employee may be exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals and risk of radiation. The employee may occasionally be exposed to high, precarious places and vibration.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Other Requirements
May be required to train in and float to other areas within the department or other assigned areas and provide extra support and/or coverage as needed.

Experience

• Two years of experience as a professional nurse in a similar setting preferred.

Education

• Associates or better

Licenses & Certifications

• RN