Primary Chemotherapy Infusion Nurse

JOB SUMMARY

The Primary Chemotherapy Infusion Nurse provides direct and indirect patient care in the outpatient setting, supporting patients receiving chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and infusion treatments. This role is responsible for assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating nursing care while promoting optimal patient outcomes.

The nurse develops individualized care plans, manages symptoms, administers medications, performs telephone triage, and communicates with a multidisciplinary care team including providers, pharmacists, dietitians, and social workers. The nurse serves as a patient advocate, applying oncology-specific knowledge to deliver high-quality, evidence-based care.

In addition, the Primary Chemotherapy Infusion Nurse assumes leadership responsibilities such as Charge Nurse, Preceptor, and Clinical Resource Nurse to promote excellence within the department.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Clinical Responsibilities

• Performs comprehensive nursing assessments for oncology and infusion patients, identifies care needs, and applies nursing diagnoses.
• Interprets diagnostic and lab results, recognizing abnormal findings and responding appropriately.
• Develops individualized care plans based on patient needs, outcomes, and standards of oncology practice.
• Administers prescribed chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and other IV treatments safely and in accordance with ONS/ONCC standards.
• Provides education to patients and caregivers about disease processes, treatment plans, symptom management, and side effects.
• Collaborates with the multidisciplinary care team to coordinate care and ensure continuity across all phases of treatment.
• Evaluates the effectiveness of interventions and modifies care plans as needed.
• Documents care accurately in the EMR, ensuring completeness and compliance with CHN standards.
• Maintains and operates infusion equipment safely; uses supplies efficiently.
• Ensures a safe environment for patients, families, and staff, adhering to infection control, safety, and quality guidelines.

Professional Responsibilities

• Serves as a clinical resource and role model for other nursing staff.
• Participates in staff meetings, quality improvement initiatives, and continuing education activities.
• Assists with orientation and ongoing training of new team members.
• Maintains professional growth and certifications as required.
• Demonstrates accountability in attendance, punctuality, and professional appearance.
• Participates in charge nurse duties or serves as preceptor as assigned.

Communication & Teamwork

• Provides compassionate, clear, and culturally appropriate communication with patients, families, and colleagues.
• Advocates for patient needs and ensures timely resolution of concerns.
• Maintains confidentiality and professionalism in all interactions.
• Collaborates with team members and other departments to support smooth operations and patient-centered care.
• Ensures documentation meets all legal, regulatory, and organizational standards.

Physician Practice & Operational Support

• Functions as the primary RN and liaison for the assigned physician practice or oncology population.
• Coordinates clinic operations with physicians and the Infusion Center Manager.
• Prepares charts and verifies lab, pathology, and imaging results prior to visits.
• Assists physicians during exams and procedures as needed.
• Ensures all chemotherapy and infusion orders are accurately written and verified.
• Oversees requisitions, procedures, and scheduling for infusion add-ons and follow-up treatments.
• Triages phone calls and walk-ins, addressing clinical concerns and managing prescriptions appropriately.
• Plans patient care, education, and discharge in coordination with the team, ensuring continuity of services across care settings.

SHARED VALUES

Service:                We serve with compassion and understanding.

Teamwork:         We are one team – each one of us makes a difference.

Curiosity:            We promote learning.

Integrity:             We live by honesty, trust, and doing the right thing by our organizational values.

MINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTS

Education & Experience

• Current unencumbered Oregon RN license (BSN preferred).
• Current AHA BLS certification; ACLS within six months of hire.
• Minimum two (2) years of experience in an ambulatory or acute care setting.
• ONS/ONCC Chemotherapy Immunotherapy Certificate of Added Qualification (CAQ) required.
• OCN/ONCC Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN) required or obtained within two years and 2,000 hours of oncology experience.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Proficient in Microsoft Office and Electronic Medical Record (EMR) systems.
• Strong clinical judgment, critical thinking, and organizational skills.
• Ability to multitask and manage complex patient cases.
• Commitment to holistic, patient-centered care.
• Effective communication and teamwork skills.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Physical Demands:

• Frequent standing, walking, hearing, and use of hands.
• Occasional sitting, stooping, kneeling, or reaching.
• Lifting up to 50 pounds occasionally.
• Requires visual acuity (close, distance, color, peripheral, and depth perception).

Work Environment:

• Moderate noise level.
• Occasional exposure to infectious diseases, radiation, and chemicals.
• Must be able to hear alarms, patient calls, and instructions clearly.

Repetitive Motions:

• Frequent hand use, grasping, and fine dexterity required.

LICENSES & CERTIFICATIONS

• BLS (Basic Life Support)
• ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) within six months of hire
• FIT Test
• Oregon RN License
• Membership in Oncology Nursing Society
• ONS/ONCC Chemotherapy Immunotherapy Certificate (CAQ)
• OCN/ONCC Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN) — required or obtained within two years and 2,000 hours of oncology experience

This is designated as a hard to fill position. Please refer to policy HR-A37