The Infusion Nurse is responsible for conducting comprehensive initial and ongoing assessments to develop and update individualized patient care plans. This role involves administering prescribed medications and managing venous access devices in accordance with clinical guidelines, manufacturer instructions, and regulatory standards. The nurse monitors patients throughout the infusion process, identifying and addressing any adverse reactions or complications, while educating patients and caregivers on medication administration, self-monitoring, and pain management. Maintaining strict adherence to infection control and aseptic techniques, the nurse ensures a safe care environment and supports a culture of safety and quality. Additional responsibilities include obtaining and communicating physician orders, documenting patient care accurately and timely, managing necessary supplies and infusion equipment, and participating in staff meetings and ongoing training to maintain clinical competencies.
QUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
- Current, active and in good standing registered nurse license in the state of employment
- Current BLS
- Valid Driver's License and Insurance
- Submit to a background check
REQUIRED SKILLS
- Performs initial and ongoing assessments for each patient
- Monitors and maintains Venous Access Device sites and systems
- Administers ordered medications using manufacturer’s recommendations, any federal state regulations, and following MD orders. Reconstitute meds as needed to maintain stability.
- Follows the seven (7) medication rights which reduces the potential for medication errors.
- Performs venous punctures and maintains venous access devices following Infusion Nurse Society standards and Agency's policy and procedures. Educates patient and family in self-monitoring of same.
- Assesses patient's condition, initiates, evaluates, and updates patient's plan of care, reporting significant clinical condition changes to appropriate health care provider typically physician, pharmacist, and supervisor.
- Observes patient's condition pre, during, and post medication infusion for effects, side effects and adverse reactions or complications to infusion medication. Educates patient and patient's caregiver in self-monitoring of same.
- Performs adequate assessment of patient's pain. Utilizes appropriate pain management. Educates patient and patient's family regarding pain management.
- Performs all aspects of patient care in an environment that optimizes patient safety reducing the likelihood of medical health care errors.
- Supports and maintains a culture of safety and quality.
- Obtains all necessary physician orders and collaborates with physician as patient's condition dictates.
- Re-evaluates the need for continued patient care on an ongoing basis documenting all communications with all health care providers involved with patient's care.
- Labels cannula, dressing, solution, reconstituted medication with pertinent information according to established protocols.
- Provides education to patient and/or caregiver on treatment and ongoing care.
- Maintains aseptic practices and infection prevention and control procedures.
- Obtains needed supplies and equipment to provide patient's care.
- Maintains and is knowledgeable in use of all infusion equipment.
- Participates as required in all agency in-services, and staff meetings.
- Adheres to all agency payroll, billing and documentation policies and procedures.
- Meets established guidelines for timely accurate patient documentation.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions in this job description:
- Able to walk, kneel, transfer without assist and being able to assist patients to do same.
- Able to manage weights over 100 pounds safely, such as patient partial transfer assist.
- Vision and hearing within normal limits
- Hand dexterity and strength sufficient to manipulate keyboard, access vials start IV's, program pumps, etc.
- Adheres to all agency payroll, billing and documentation policies and procedures.
- Meets established guidelines for timely accurate patient documentation.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
None.
ADDITIONAL NOTES
Reports to Director of Patient Care Services.
Must follow company policies, HIPAA/confidentiality expectations, documentation standards, and applicable regulatory requirements.
Must maintain timely follow-up on referrals, authorizations, reauthorizations, patient documents, claims, and outstanding payer or provider requests.
Perform other related duties as assigned by management.