Registered Nurse (RN), Infusion & Chemotherapy

The Staff Nurse is responsible for administering nursing care to patients in a safe, efficient, compassionate, and courteous manner using proper nursing measures. This position includes information gathering, sample collection, patient and family education, supply maintenance, and coordinates patient scheduling.  It may also perform a variety of medication administration, including but not limited to: IV infusions, injections, blood products and/or chemotherapy. The position may administer IV fluids directly into the patient's vein or via peripherally inserted central catheter or implanted device. The position is also responsible for pre-treatment preparation if needed such as taking vitals and cleaning treatment equipment, as well as The Specialty Clinic Staff RN/Infusion Staff RN is responsible for coordination of patient care within the specialty department and amongst the patient’s care team, including external providers and ancillary services within the specialty department, as well as amongst the patient’s entire care team, including external providers and ancillary services

MAJOR TASKS, DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Specialty RN

1. Demonstrates assessment skills, (utilizing knowledge of disease and illness), necessary to assess a patient’s health, as well as detecting changes in symptoms, health or pain. Incorporates the patient’s perception of illness including psychosocial needs utilizing available sources of information.
2. Demonstrates critical thinking skills and decision-making processes in recognizing when action needs to be taken based on changes in patient assessment findings.
3. Demonstrates attention to detail and the ability to administer injections, blood transfusions, hydration, and other medications as ordered by the physician, following patient’s specific treatment plan.
4. If applicable demonstrates the ability to operate infusion equipment and continually monitor the patient during treatment.
5. If applicable, demonstrates knowledge of pharmacology of antineoplastic agents. Exhibits safe handling, simple preparation, and appropriate disposal of drugs. Understands principles of chemotherapy administration.
6. Demonstrates compassion. Must be sympathetic to patient’s needs and able to assist them in managing various states of pain, trauma, and tragedy.
7. Demonstrates good organizational and prioritization skills. Able to care for multiple patients at various stages of health with differing care needs. 
8. Demonstrates the ability to remain calm. Able to function effectively in a crisis if necessary.
9. Exhibits good communication and listening skills. Speaks calmly. Able to help patients and families understand treatment plans, knowledge of disease and needed follow up.  
10. Reports pertinent observations and behavior to the appropriate person, records observations accurately and concisely.
11. Schedules patients according to infusion and patient needs.
12. Assesses patient/family level of knowledge.  Provides teaching related to disease process, treatment plan, and care required.
13. Consistently demonstrates the ability to utilize the nursing process to provide quality care based on identified patient needs.     
14. Sets goals and prescribes appropriate nursing action to meet goals considering the physical, psychosocial, and rehabilitative needs of the patients.
15. Confers with patient’s Primary Care Provider (PCP) and actively participates in arranging patient home care needs when identified. Works with Social Work staff if indicated.
16. Confers with patient’s PCP and utilizes referral process to meet other identified patient needs i.e.: Physical or Occupational Therapy, Pastoral Care, etc.
17. Maintains the standards of nursing care and implements the policies and procedures of the Hospital and Nursing Department.
18. Acts as a liaison between patient, family, and care providers.
19. Works collaboratively with clinical supervisor, physicians, peers and other members of the patient care team.
20. Effectively implements physician orders, allows no misunderstanding--consults appropriate sources regarding unfamiliar or questionable orders.
21. Demonstrates accountability for safe and accurate administration, observation, charting, and reporting of effects of drugs, IV procedures, and therapeutic and diagnostic measures, as applicable.
22. Practices within the Nurse Practice Act and ethical standards for nurses. 
23. Actively utilizes available resources to maintain competencies through attendance in college credit classes, outside in-services, and/or viewing of practice related in-services in addition to mandatory offerings.
24. Accurately documents patient care activity, nursing intervention, and patient responses into the clinical record. 
25. When Staffing needs dictate, may work an alternate shift or be scheduled to work on an on-call basis.  Employees scheduled on call must report within 30 minutes of receiving a call.
26. Is cross-trained infusion and/or clinic as applicable to assigned department(s).

EDUCATION:  Graduate of an accredited school of nursing.  New York State Licensure and current registration required. BLS certification required. Completion of Chemo/Bio Course through the Oncology Nurse Society will be required for oncology nurses within the orientation period. Oncology Certification is preferred for oncology nurses.

EXPERIENCE:  Minimum of two years acute care nursing. Previous experience in infusion and/or chemotherapy preferred.