What are the responsibilities and job description for the Physician Nurse, Radiation position at Highlands Oncology Group?
Highlands Oncology began in 1996 with three physicians and a desire to change the face of oncology care in our community. Dr. Malcolm Hayward, Dr. Dan Bradford, and Dr. Thad Beck knew that patients do better at home, in the community where they live and work, and where their support system is already in place. In furthering that goal, Highlands has grown with the region from a single location 26 years ago, to 6 locations in Northwest and Northcentral Arkansas today employing more than 800 diverse team members.
As Northwest Arkansas continues to grow, so must the services and providers available in the region. Highlands Oncology is committed to remaining on the cutting edge to ensure our community has access to the very best cancer care. What we have is something quite unique right here in our own backyard with a caring multidisciplinary team focused on treating patients like family.
The Radiation Oncology Physician Nurse works closely with radiation oncologists and the multidisciplinary care team to provide compassionate, coordinated care throughout each patient’s radiation treatment journey. This position serves as a key point of communication for patients and families while supporting clinical care, education, symptom management, treatment planning, and ongoing follow-up.
This is an excellent opportunity for a compassionate, confident nurse who enjoys building meaningful relationships with patients and working closely with a collaborative, multidisciplinary oncology team. The ideal candidate will combine strong clinical judgment with clear communication, organization, and a commitment to supporting patients and families throughout their cancer-care journey.
Key Responsibilities:
- Communicate directly with patients beginning at the time of their new-patient consultation and throughout their care.
- Perform patient assessments, obtain pertinent medical histories, assist with physical examinations, and communicate clinical findings to the physician or provider.
- Complete accurate clinical documentation in the electronic medical record, including diagnosis, staging, history and physical, performance status, impression, and plan.
- Assist physicians and providers with entering orders for laboratory testing, imaging, radiation simulation, outside referrals, and other patient-care needs.
- Independently triage patient concerns and provide symptom-management guidance while collaborating with the physician or provider as needed.
- Educate patients and families about radiation therapy, expected side effects, supportive care, and prescribed medications.
- Review new-patient medical records and assist with obtaining additional records from outside facilities.
- Collaborate with physicians, radiation therapists, medical assistants, schedulers, and other healthcare professionals to carry out each patient’s treatment plan.
- Assist with specialized procedures, including stereotactic radiosurgery and high-dose-rate brachytherapy.
- Complete required billing documentation and enter appropriate diagnostic codes under physician guidance.
- Assist with physician schedules and communicate scheduling needs to appropriate team members.
- Participate in the rotational nursing call schedule for Radiation Oncology patients.
- Help oversee medical assistants, nursing students, or nursing staff from other departments when needed.
- Respond professionally and effectively during stressful situations or medical emergencies.
- Participate in required meetings, education, and community-outreach activities as assigned.
- Follow all organizational policies, clinical standards, safety practices, and regulatory requirements.