Oncology/Hematology Registered Nurse

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; West Palm Beach (FL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking an Oncology/Hematology Registered Nurse in Florida to administer IV infusions and deliver high‑quality cancer care. The role requires RN licensure, English proficiency, and collaboration with a multidisciplinary team.

The RN will handle assessments, patient education, documentation in the EHR, and adherence to safety protocols for antineoplastic drugs, with a schedule that supports patient needs and clinic operations.

Qualifications

• Must be a graduate of an approved nursing program and licensed RN.
• English proficiency required for clinical practice per 38 U.S.C. 7403(f).
• Foreign-educated nurses must meet VA equivalency requirements.

Responsibilities

• Administer IV medication infusions in Oncology/Hematology settings.
• Provide high-quality, evidence-based nursing care and collaborate with the interdisciplinary team.
• Perform comprehensive physiological assessments and document in the EHR.
• Triage patient problems and initiate interventions as needed.
• Ensure safe handling and disposal of hazardous drugs and medical waste.
• Support patient education, self-management, and family education throughout care.

Skills

English proficiency

Nursing assessment

IV infusion administration

Patient education

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Documentation in EHR

Oncology nursing

Education

Nursing degree (ADN/diploma or higher)

Tools

Electronic Health Record (EHR)

IV equipment & infusion therapy

Job description

Summary

Responsible and accountable for all elements of the nursing process when providing and/or supervising direct patient care. Assesses, plans, implements, and evaluates care based on age‑specific components. Assumes responsibility for the coordination of care focused on patient education, self‑management, and customer satisfaction throughout the continuum of care. Administers medications and procedures per established policies and guidelines.

Qualifications

• English Language Proficiency
• In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7403(f) – no person shall serve in direct patient care positions unless they are proficient in basic written and spoken English.
• Graduate of a school of professional nursing approved by the appropriate accrediting agency and accredited by one of the following accrediting bodies at the time the program was completed by the applicant: The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
• Individuals attending a master’s level bridge program in nursing who have completed coursework equivalent to a bachelor’s level degree in Nursing may have the opportunity to become registered as a nurse with a state licensing board prior to completion of the bridge program.
• Upon achievement of a state license – the individual may be appointed on a temporary basis and later converted to a permanent appointment upon successful completion and graduation from the bridge program.
• Reference VA Handbook 5005 – Appendix G6.
• In cases of graduates of foreign schools of professional nursing – possession of a current, full, active, and unrestricted registration will meet the requirement for graduation from an approved school of professional nursing to warrant an appointment as a Nurse who has completed an associated degree/entry level Nursing education program.
• Credit for foreign nursing education higher than associate degree/entry level requires a formal degree equivalency validation from a recognized equivalency evaluation accepted by VA such as International Consultants of Delaware (ICD).
• Current, full, active, and unrestricted registration as a graduate professional nurse in a State, Territory, or Commonwealth (i.e., Puerto Rico) of the United States – or the District of Columbia.
• Graduate Nurse Technician (GNT) Exception: Candidates who otherwise meet the basic education requirements – but do not possess the required licensure – may be appointed at the entry step of the grade and level applicable to the completed nursing education as a GNT on a 120‑day temporary appointment while actively pursuing licensure (may be extended up to two years on a case‑by‑case basis). NOTE: Grandfathering Provision – All persons currently employed in VHA in 0610 series and performing the duties as described in the qualification standard on the effective date of the standard (1/29/2024) are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the grade held, including positive education and licensure/certification.
• Grade determinations: The following scope, education, and dimension criteria must be met in determining the grade assignment of candidates – and if appropriate – the level within a grade.
• The dimension requirements (practice – veteran/patient driven care – leadership – professional development and evidence‑based practice/research) are detailed for each grade and level within the online assessment: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13002123.
• Grade/Level Scope Education Nurse I – Level I: Delivers fundamental, knowledge‑based care to assigned clients while developing technical competencies.
• An associate degree (ADN) or diploma in nursing – with no additional professional nursing required.
• … (remaining qualification items omitted for brevity)
• Physical requirements: Visual acuity – keen hearing – clear distinctive speech – and manual dexterity. Requires potentially long periods of walking, standing, kneeling, sitting, bending, pulling, and pushing. May involve transferring patients and objects, exposure to infected patients, contaminated materials, protective clothing, and occasional exposure to combative patients due to delirium, dementia, or psychiatric disorders.

Duties

• The primary and single most important duty and responsibility of the Oncology/Hematology Registered Nurse (RN) is to administer intravenous (IV) medication infusions.
• IV medication infusion administration is an essential and central duty of the RN for promoting, achieving, and maintaining high‑quality patient outcomes.
• The Oncology/Hematology Registered RN is a clinical expert who uses advanced specialized knowledge and judgment for delivery of high quality and evidence‑based care to oncology patients and their families.
• Uses a team approach to identify, analyze, and resolve patient care problems with measurable outcomes.
• Completes physiological assessments and completes documentation in the electronic health record (EHR) in accordance with established policies and procedures.
• Triages patient problems and assists in the evaluation of symptoms and initiates interventions in collaboration with the interdisciplinary team.
• Monitors, tracks, and reports ongoing care needs and outcomes to the interdisciplinary team.
• Directs the provision of nursing education, orientation, competencies, and quality improvement and outcome utilization.
• Provides a safe working environment while administering, handling, and disposing of antineoplastic drugs and medical waste.
• Oversees the administration and management of various medical procedures and treatments in the oncology setting – including vascular access devices and infusion treatments.
• Conducts in‑service education based on insights gained from oncology professional development activities and acquiring specialized skills in oncology‑specific areas – including chemotherapy administration, oncology electronic ordering systems, and calculating drug dosages.
• Manages monitoring requirements for specific drugs – handling immediate infusion reactions – and preventing and managing oncology‑related symptoms and adverse events – such as chemo‑related symptoms and immune‑related adverse events.
• VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package: VA Nurse Total Rewards. This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) – a student loan payment reimbursement program.
• Must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment.
• Approval award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application.
• Pay: Competitive salary – regular salary increases – potential for performance awards.
• Paid Time Off: 50 days of paid time off per year (26 days of annual leave – 13 days of sick leave – 11 paid Federal holidays per year).
• Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401(k) with up to 5% in contributions by VA.
• Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long‑term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement).
• Licensure: One full and unrestricted license from any US State or territory.
• Work schedule: Various – based on needs of the facility – 8‑hour shifts – Monday‑Friday 7:30 am – 4:00 pm.
• Telework: Not available; virtual: This is not a virtual position.
• Relocation/recruitment incentives: Not authorized (EDRP authorized – former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive).
• Contact: [e-mail] – the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance.
• Permanent change of station (PCS): Not authorized.