Registered Nurse - Chemo

Description

Position Summary:

Participate in the assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of patient care. Responsible for providing professional, safe, quality care. Coordinate and administer chemotherapy/biotherapy medications in adherence to practice policy and ONS standards. Perform all job duties and responsibilities in compliance with practice policies and procedures.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Chemotherapy Drug Administration:
• Conduct accurate calculation, preparation, and administration of chemotherapy medications.
• Verify lab values prior to the administration of chemotherapy. Ability to mix chemotherapy/biotherapy in accordance to protocol guidelines.
• Assess patients prior to, during, and after the administration of any medication.
• Maintain current knowledge of chemotherapy protocols.
• Knowledge of infusion pump operation and maintenance.
• Facilitate dose modifications according to physician and protocol guidelines.

Patient Care:
• Communicate with physicians, co-workers and other care coordinators as appropriate.
• Asses patient for changes in condition, including, but not limited to; abnormal labs, x-rays, scans, and drug reactions. Initiate appropriate action.
• Assess patient for treatment related side effects and/or symptoms related to their disease process and/or disease progression.
• Document patient data, including, but not limited to; vital signs, height, weight, allergies, medication and patient condition changes, patient teaching, and medication administration in chart.
• Maintain an efficient patient flow through infusion room.
• Triage patient phone calls as needed; documents relevant information in patient chart.
• Ability to assess patient/family needs and provide the necessary education.
• Demonstrates awareness of community resources available to patient. Refers patient and/or family to appropriate supportive services.
• Manage patient medication refills and document in chart.
• Act as a patient advocate while providing privacy and confidentiality.

Requirements

Additional Skills and Abilities:
• Maintain a clean work environment.
• Assume responsibility for personal and professional growth by participating in professional development activities and maintaining professional affiliations.
• Act as resource to other medical and office staff.
• Follow OSHA guidelines for chemotherapy agents, biohazardous waste, and any potential blood borne pathogens.
• Maintain knowledge of reimbursement procedures. Assure preauthorization, financial counseling, and appropriate consent forms are obtained prior to medication administration.
• Complete charge encounters accurately.
• Comply with all rules, regulations and procedures of the practice. Adhere to practice guidelines.
• Inform Clinical Manager of clinic needs and/or concerns related to work environment.
• Travel/float to other Palo Verde clinics as necessary.

Minimum Qualifications
• Excellent customer service skills, both verbal and written.
• Proficiency with Windows, Microsoft Office.
• Onco experience a plus.
• Excellent knowledge of HIPAA rules and regulations.
• Work overtime if there is a need (with Manager approval).
• Attend all mandatory in-services and meetings.

Education and/or Experience:
• Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing from an accredited School of Nursing is preferred.
• Minimum one year of chemotherapy experience preferred.
• Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:
• Current Arizona RN State Board of Nursing license required.
• Current CPR Certification required.
• ONS Chemotherapy/Biotherapy Providers Card required.