The Oncology Nurse provides direct care to oncology patients, ensuring safe and high-quality care throughout all stages of treatment. This role supports patients in managing their diagnosis, promoting autonomy and independence, and utilizing effective disease, symptom, and psychosocial management techniques.
Responsibilities:
- Prepare and administer chemotherapy, hydration, and other medications under physician supervision, ensuring proper billing verification before administration.
- Conduct patient assessments, draw blood via port catheter or PICC line, and monitor Coumadin levels while providing patient education.
- Educate patients and families about chemotherapy side effects and encourage use of patient portals for ongoing care management.
- Schedule chemotherapy, hydration, injections, and bone marrow procedures in the electronic medical record system.
- Participate in quality improvement activities and maintain accurate, timely patient documentation.
- Demonstrate proficiency in ambulatory infusion pump use and maintenance, and maintain a clean and safe work environment.
- Verify patient allergies, maintain up-to-date skills in chemotherapy administration, and attend continuing education to keep nursing license current.
- Collaborate with the Charge Nurse to support daily operations and ensure compliance with established processes and regulations.
Qualifications:
- Chemotherapy/Biotherapy certification through ONS or ability to obtain within 12 months of hire
- Current CPR/BCLS certification
- Excellent IV skills and ability to access port-a-caths and PICC lines
- Basic typing, keyboard, and computer skills
- Knowledge of medical terminology specific to oncology/hematology
- Previous oncology/hematology experience preferred
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships
- Ability to assess nursing needs of acute and chronically ill patients using technology
- Exceptional assessment, critical thinking, and customer service skills
- Emotional stability to cope with human suffering, emergencies, and stress
- Ability to seek out resources independently and work collaboratively
- Ability to set priorities, organize work, and meet deadlines while ensuring compliance
- Ability to multitask efficiently and communicate clearly with patients, families, and healthcare teams