RN SR

Overview

Under minimal supervision, provides professional nursing care for patients adhering to national and company standards and guidelines for specialty regulations. Demonstrates knowledge of physiological, psychological, and developmental and age specific differences in the patient population including late adolescence, adulthood, middle age, and the elderly. Collaborates with the interdisciplinary team to provide for assessment and therapeutic management of patient/family needs. Supports and adheres to the US Oncology Compliance Program, to include the Code of Ethics and Business Standards.

Responsibilities

Essential duties and responsibilities

• Mixes and administers chemotherapy, hydration and other medications under the direction and supervision of a physician.
• Assists physician with exams and procedures. Maintains efficient and appropriate patient flow in and out of exam rooms.
• Records patient data prior to each physician visit, including but not limited to, vital signs, height, weight, allergies, medication changes.
• Maintains all exam room disinfection protocols. Assesses patients for changes in condition, including but not limited to abnormal labs, x-rays, scans, drug reactions and initiates appropriate action.
• Maintains knowledge of reimbursement procedures. Completes all chemotherapy charge forms. Assures pre-authorization and appropriate consent forms are obtained prior to administration of therapies.
• Demonstrates knowledge of ambulatory infusion pump use and maintenance, cleaning pumps after use, and proper documentation of pump usage.
• Facilitates dose modification by assessing patient, assessing labs, consulting protocol or treatment plan, calculating dose, and consulting physician regarding dosage modifications, problems, and symptom management.
• Performs venipuncture, accesses implanted ports and maintains central lines catheter devices.
• Administers all medications/blood products using correct medication/blood product, dosage/amount, route, time and technique.
• Displays appropriate technical skills for the administration of chemotherapy, medications and blood products, to include, but not limited to: venipuncture, central line access and infusion devices.
• Programs portable infusion pumps for continuous drug delivery and provides instruction to the patient and/or caregiver in the use of the pump at home.
• Documents nursing assessments, patient teaching and fluid and medication administration in the patient chart. Communicates all pertinent information and any interventions to the physician.
• Assures nursing charges are accurate and complete on patient fee slips. Acts as a resource person to the medical assistants.
• Triages patient phone calls as needed and documents relevant information in the patient's chart. Assesses patient/family needs and provides teaching and other instructional material. Demonstrates awareness of community resources available to patients and assists with referrals if necessary.
• Manages patient medication refill requests from the pharmacy telephone line and records the information in the patient chart
• Follows OSHA guidelines when handling cytotoxic agents, biohazardous waste and any other material potentially infected with a blood borne pathogen.
• Maintains patient confidentiality.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• BSN degree with at least seven (7) years nursing experience, including at least three years oncology nursing experience, with current OCN certification required.
• Experience and knowledge of the purpose and use of medications in the treatment of cancer.
• RN state license and current registration with the State Board of Nursing in practicing state.
• Current CPR certification required.
• Must maintain continuing education requirements.

Physical demands

Work environment