Sr. Oncology Nurse Clinician or Oncology Nurse Clinician

Sr. Oncology Nurse Clinician or Oncology Nurse Clinician

Galveston, Texas, United States

Nursing & Care Management

UTMB Health

Requisition # 2400831

This is an open-pooled position. Applicants' education/experience will be considered and the position may be filled at a lower or higher level, as appropriate.

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Oncology Nurse Clinician delivers proficient patient care to adult cancer patients in various settings, including outpatient clinics and infusion centers where chemotherapy is administered. The Oncology Nurse Clinician will use the nursing process to competently perform patient assessments, formulating nursing diagnoses and establishing goals, planning and implementing interventions, and evaluating patient care outcomes. Collaborates with the interdisciplinary team to provide for assessment and therapeutic management of patient and family needs. Proficient in managing unexpected or emergency situations that are commonly seen in assigned specialty population. Serves as a resource for LVNs and Medical Assistants. Can manage commonly seen contingency situations that arise on the clinical unit.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Conducts comprehensive patient assessments, including physical examinations, psychosocial evaluations, and medication history.

• Provides consultation and coordination throughout the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up. Communicates with patients to schedule procedure, provide preparation instructions, and follows up with referring physicians on procedure status.

• Facilitate dose modification by assessing the patient, assessing labs, consulting protocol or treatment plan, calculating dose, and consulting physician regarding dosage modifications, problems, and symptom management.

• Administers all medications/blood products using the correct medication/blood product, dosage/amount, route, time, and technique.

• Administers chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and other complex IV medications, adhering to strict safety protocols and sterile techniques.

• Monitors patients for adverse reactions to treatment and implements appropriate interventions.

• Educates patients and their families on the management of the disease process and the actions and side effects of medication or treatment.

• Assists patients in finding support through available community resources.

• Provide direction and support to vocational nurses and medical assistants.

• May triage patient phone calls and document relevant information in the patient's medical chart.

• Maintain a safe working environment at all times.

• Demonstrates professional accountability by maintaining proficiency in assigned role and involvement in professional organizations

Marginal or Periodic Functions

• Adheres to internal controls and reporting structure.

• Performs related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES

• Strong clinical judgment and decision-making skills.

• Ability to effectively communicate with pa and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport with patients and families from diverse backgrounds.

• Proficiency in patient education and counseling techniques.

• Proficient time management and organizational skills to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines efficiently.

• Ability to function independently and exercise judgment in interactions with physicians, interprofessional care team, and patients and their families.

• Strong commitment to patient safety and quality of care.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Associate degree in Nursing from an accredited School of Nursing

Experience: Two (2) years of Clinical RN experience, prior experience in oncology.

Preferred Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing (BSN).

• Experience: Two years of clinical RN Oncology Nursing experience.

• Ambulatory Oncology experience in the last two years.

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS OR CERTIFICATIONS

Required

• Active RN license or valid temporary permit to practice professional nursing in Texas, permanent license must be obtained within 90 days.

• Active Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.

Preferred

• Oncology Nursing Certification.

• Completion of moderate sedation course.

• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)

WORKING ENVIRONMENT/EQUIPMENT

Clinical environment and equipment. They may be exposed to such occupational hazards as communicable diseases, blood-borne pathogens, ionizing & non-ionizing radiation, hazardous medications, and disoriented or combative patients or others

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Senior Oncology Nurse Clinician delivers expert level nursing care to adult cancer patients in various settings, including outpatient clinics and infusion centers where chemotherapy is administered. The Senior Oncology Nurse Clinician uses the nursing process to effectively plan and manage quality cancer care.Practicesconsistent holistic nursing care addressing the physical, psychosocial, and spiritual needs of individuals with cancer and their caregivers through the cancer journey.Expert nurse clinician. Executes nursing interventions across the care continuum in collaboration with the multi-disciplinary team, incorporating appropriate clinical procedures related to cancer diagnosis. Directs others in responding to oncologic emergencies or unusual situations. Serves as a role model on the unit; sets a high standard of conduct, behavior, and professionalism. Actions, attitude, and work ethic demonstrate exceptional leadership qualities that inspire and motivate other RNs, clinical staff, and trainees.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Independently obtains complex and comprehensive health histories and assesses patient and associated needs, develops interventions associated with clinical procedures related to cancer diagnoses, and implements symptom management and monitoring parameters based on treatment.

• Provides consultation and coordination throughout the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up. Communicates with patients to schedule procedure, provide preparation instructions, and follows up with referring physicians on procedure status.

• Performs or assists in procedural care requiring complex nursing skills and clinical judgment; treats acute/chronic medical problems as per physician-approved protocol. Administers ordered medications via oral, subcutaneous, intramuscular, intradermal, or sublingual routes.

• Administers chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and other complex IV medications, adhering to strict safety protocols and sterile techniques.

• Monitors patients for adverse reactions to treatment and implements appropriate interventions.

• Educates patients and their families about diagnoses, treatment options, and potential side effects.

• Provides emotional support and counseling to patients and caregivers coping with a cancer diagnosis.Identifies learning needs of the patient and families and educates by adapting to patient and family learning styles utilizing the teach-back method.

• Advocates on the patient and family's behalf to identify and resolve clinical and ethical concerns. Serve as a role model and mentor to other RNs who may require guidance on patient advocacy.

• Identifies areas of practice improvements with research-based evidence to achieve quality measures and patient safety outcomes, supported by accurate documentation and patient teaching, which are presented to department and leadership.

• Documents nursing assessments and interventions in the electronic medical record to reflect a comprehensive and integrated approach to patient/family care and clinical research.

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• Participates in leadership opportunities to foster professional development and skills within oncology nursing, regulatory requirements, and job expectations.

Marginal or Periodic Functions:

• Adheres to internal controls and reporting structure.

• Performs telephone triage.

• Assist providers with procedures that may or may not require moderate sedation.

• Performs additional related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES

• Remains current regarding professional practice standards, research studies and theories to improve care and applies same as appropriate to management of patient care.

• Serves as a practice role model in areas of expertise.

• Maintains and develops own skills in area of expertise.

• Demonstrates a high level of initiative in recognizing and resolving clinical problems.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

Minimum Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing (BSN).

• Experience: Five years of clinical RN experience, including oncology nursing experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Education: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

• Experience: Five (5) years of clinical RN experience in oncology

• Ambulatory Oncology experience

• Bilingual capabilities are beneficial.

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS OR CERTIFICATIONS

Required:

• Current RN license or valid temporary permit to practice professional nursing in Texas, permanent license must be obtained within 90 days

• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.

• Approved nursing specialty certification appropriate for specialty area.

· Oncology Nursing Certification or ability to obtain certification within one year of employment.

Preferred:

• Additional certifications specific to oncology practice may be required (e.g., chemotherapy, hazardous waste handling).

• Completion of moderate sedation course.

• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)

WORKING ENVIRONMENT/EQUIPMENT

Clinical environment and equipment. May be exposed to such occupational hazards as communicable diseases, blood-borne pathogens, ionizing & non-ionizing radiation, hazardous medications and disoriented or combative patients or others.

Equal Employment Opportunity

UTMB Health strives to provide equal opportunity employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state or local laws unless such distinction is required by law. As a VEVRAA Federal Contractor, UTMB Health takes affirmative action to hire and advance women, minorities, protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Compensation