Oncology/Hematology Infusion Registered Nurse

Summary

The Infusion Registered Nurse in Oncology/Hematology is responsible for all elements of the nursing process when providing or supervising direct patient care. The nurse assesses - plans - implements - and evaluates care based on age-specific needs and assists with coordinating care focused on education - self-management - and patient satisfaction. The Infusion RN administers medications and procedures per established policies. This position is located at University Drive Pittsburgh VAMC.

Qualifications

Basic Requirements:

• English Language Proficiency
• In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7403(f) - no person shall serve in direct patient care positions unless they are proficient in basic written and spoken English
• Graduate of a school of professional nursing approved by the appropriate accrediting agency and accredited by one of the following accrediting bodies at the time the program was completed by the applicant: The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
• OR Individuals attending a master's level bridge program in nursing who have completed coursework equivalent to a bachelor's level degree in Nursing may have opportunity to become registered as a nurse with a state licensing board prior to completion of the bridge program
• Upon achievement of a State license - the individual may be appointed on temporary basis and later converted to a permanent appointment upon successful completion and graduation from the bridge program
• (Reference VA Handbook 5005 - Appendix G6)
• OR In cases of graduates of foreign schools of professional nursing - possession of a current - full - active - and unrestricted registration will meet the requirement for graduation from an approved school of professional nursing to warrant an appointment as a Nurse who has completed an associated degree/entry level Nursing education program
• Credit for foreign nursing education higher that associate degree/entry level requires a formal degree equivalency validation from a recognized equivalency evaluation accepted by VA such as International Consultants of Delaware (ICD)
• Current - full - active - and unrestricted registration as a graduate professional nurse in a State - Territory or Commonwealth (i.e. - Puerto Rico) of the United States - or the District of Columbia
• Graduate Nurse Technician (GNT) Exception: Candidates who otherwise meet the basic education requirements - but do not possess the required licensure - may be appointed at the entry step of the grade and level applicable to the completed nursing education as a GNT on a 120-day temporary appointment while actively pursuing licensure (may be extended up to two years on a case-by-case-basis.) NOTE: Grandfathering Provision - All persons currently employed in VHA in 0610 series and performing the duties as described in the qualification standard on the effective date of the standard (1/29/2024) are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the grade held including positive education and licensure/certification
• Grade Determinations: The following Scope - Education and Dimension criteria must be met in determining the grade assignment of candidates - and if appropriate - the level within a grade
• The Dimension requirements (Practice - Veteran/Patient Driven Care - Leadership - Professional Development and Evidence-Based Practice/Research) are detailed for each grade and level within the online assessment: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12934846
• Grade/Level Scope Education Nurse I - Level I Delivers fundamental - knowledge-based care to assigned clients while developing technical competencies
• An Associate Degree (ADN) or Diploma in Nursing - with no additional professional nursing required
• Nurse I - Level II Demonstrates integration of biopsychosocial concepts - cognitive skills and technically competent practice in providing care to clients with basic or complex
• An ADN or Diploma in Nursing AND 1 year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse I - Level 1 ;OR a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) with no additional professional nursing experience required
• Nurse I - Level III Demonstrates proficiency in practice based on conscious and deliberate planning
• Self-directed in goal setting for managing complex client situations
• An ADN or Diploma in Nursing AND 2 years of professional nursing experience in which one year is equivalent to Nurse I - Level 2
• OR a BSN and 1 year of professional nursing experience equivalent to the Nurse I - Level 2
• OR a Master's degree in nursing (MSN) and no additional professional nursing experience
• OR a Master's degree in a *related field with a BSN and no additional professional nursing experience
• Nurse II Demonstrates leadership in delivering and improving holistic care through collaborative strategies with others
• A BSN with 2 years of professional nursing equivalent to Nurse I - Level 3
• OR an MSN with one year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse I - Level 3
• OR a Master's degree in a *related field with a BSN and one year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse I - Level 3
• OR a Doctoral degree in Nursing with no professional nursing experience
• OR a Doctoral degree in a *related field with a BSN with no additional professional nursing experience
• Nurse III Executes position responsibilities that demonstrate leadership - experience and creative approaches to management of complex client care beyond the immediate practice setting
• MSN and 2 years of specialized nursing experience - one of which is equivalent to Nurse II and meets all dimension requirements for Nurse III
• OR a Master's degree in *related field with BSN and two years of specialized nursing experience - one of which is equivalent to Nurse II and meets all dimension requirements for Nurse III
• OR a Doctoral degree in Nursing with and one year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse II and meets all dimension requirements for Nurse III
• OR a Doctoral degree in a *related field with a BSN and one year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse II and meets all dimension requirements for Nurse III
• *Note: Foreign education programs/degrees are not creditable as related degrees
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
• Physical Requirements: Heavy lifting (up to 35 pounds)
• heavy carrying (up to 35 pounds)
• straight pulling (2-4 hours)
• pushing (2-4 hours)
• reaching above shoulders (1-2 hours)
• use of fingers
• both hands required
• walking (4-6 hours)
• standing (4-6 hours)
• repeated bending (2-4 hours)
• both legs required
• ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously
• near vision correctable at 13"" to 16"" to Jaeger 1 to 4
• far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and 20/40 in the other
• both eyes required
• ability to distinguish basic colors and shades of color
• hear (aid permitted)
• mental and emotional stability.
  
  

Duties

• Duties and Responsibilities include - but are not limited to: Infusion Nurse specializing in oncology - assigned duties encompass the comprehensive management and administration of intravenous therapies - with a primary focus on chemotherapy and other complex infusions for veteran patients
• This includes performing thorough patient assessments - initiating and maintaining various vascular access devices (e.g. - PICCs - central lines - peripheral IVs) - meticulously preparing and administering prescribed medications while adhering to strict safety protocols - and vigilantly monitoring patients for adverse reactions - side effects - and changes in condition
• A critical aspect of the role involves extensive patient and family education regarding treatment plans - potential side effects - and self-care strategies - alongside meticulous documentation and close collaboration with the interdisciplinary healthcare team to ensure coordinated - high-quality - and compassionate care for our nation's veterans
• Self-directed in goal setting for managing complex client situations
• Assumes responsibility for the coordination of veteran care
• Influences outcomes by collaborating with members of the interdisciplinary team
• Core elements of performance include knowledge and active participation in the unit/program level quality improvement process and initiatives/customer service programs and the ability to execute position responsibilities that demonstrate leadership - experience - and creative approaches to management of complex client care outcomes at the program or service level
• Obtain vital signs - perform comprehensive veteran assessments - and complete EKGs as ordered
• Use pretreatment checklists to verify physician orders and ensure safe handling and administration of hazardous drugs
• Assess and document each patient's physical status - psychosocial functioning - distress level - vital signs - height - weight - and any treatment- or disease-related symptoms
• Collect laboratory specimens as ordered and promptly report abnormal results
• Provide direct nursing care to patients receiving chemotherapy - biotherapy - and hormonal treatments before - during - and after therapy
• Deliver specialized care to veterans undergoing Bone Marrow Transplant or CAR-T cell therapy in both pre- and post-treatment phases
• Administer point-of-care infusions and injections
• Safely administer complex chemotherapy agents - biologics - monoclonal antibodies - hormonal therapies - and clinical trial medications across multiple routes in accordance with established protocols
• Maintain and monitor vascular access devices to ensure proper function and patient safety
• Monitor patients throughout infusions for side effects - toxicities - or hypersensitivity reactions
• Administer supportive medications as prescribed and escalate care or activate emergency protocols (e.g. - Condition A or C) when necessary
• Conduct post-treatment follow-up calls or coordinate follow-up with navigators
• Collaborate with Cancer Nurse Navigators and providers on treatment plans - schedules - and patient needs
• Coordinate communication between patients and providers regarding test results - missed appointments - and follow-up requirements
• Educate patients and families about treatment plans - expected side effects - and ongoing care
• Enter laboratory - consult - and clinic orders accurately and in accordance with policy
• Ensure timely - thorough - and accurate documentation of all patient care activities - including precise encounter code entry
• Maintain a clean and safe treatment environment by sanitizing chairs and equipment between patients
• Perform daily checks on glucometers - eye wash stations - and supply levels
• Monitor expiration dates and restock supplies as needed
• Refill blanket warmers and verify temperatures daily
• Maintain required professional certifications - including OCN and Chemo/Bio provider credentials - to support safe and competent oncology practice
• Preferred Experience: Outpatient/ Inpatient Oncology trained with experience administering chemotherapy - 2 years clinical experience General Infusion trained with experience administering general infusions - 2 years clinical experience VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package: VA Nurse Total Rewards Pay: Competitive salary - regular salary increases - potential for performance awards Paid Time Off: 50 days of paid time off per year (26 days of annual leave - 13 days of sick leave - 11 paid Federal holidays per year) Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Licensure: 1 full and unrestricted license from any US State or territory Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 8AM-4:30 PM Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized