Medical Oncology Nurse - VCWV (Per Diem, Day)

At Northbay Health, the Medical Oncology Nurse, in collaboration with other cancer care providers and health team members, the Oncology RN will utilize oncology focused assessment skills and knowledge to coordinate and provide comprehensive care throughout the cancer disease continuum. 

The Oncology RN will be a patient advocate and educator, as well as a liaison between inpatient, outpatient and home care. The nursing process will be utilized when providing patient care, to include: administering infusion treatments, monitoring patients during and after treatments; assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating the nursing care of patients receiving treatment; managing symptoms related to treatments as well as to the disease process. 

The Oncology RN must demonstrate problem solving and decision-making skills, close attention to detail, and sensitivity and empathy in all interactions with patients and caregivers. Organizational standards for Joint Commission, Patient Safety and the Department of Health will be met or exceeded.

Primary Job Duties

• Collects data regarding the health status of the client on a systematic and ongoing basis.
• Plans, implements and evaluates interventions to manage common symptoms related to cancer diagnoses and treatments.
• Recognizes oncologic emergencies and intervenes in a timely fashion.
• Manages multiple types of vascular access devices, including routine care and troubleshooting problems.
• Provides ongoing education about diagnosis, treatment and symptom management.
• Monitors and interprets lab results under the direction of the oncologist.
• Handles and administers chemo-therapeutic and biological agents safely to minimize exposure to self and the environment.
• Recognizes and manages drug extravasation in a timely manner.
• Coordinates scheduling of diagnostic studies before, during and after therapeutic interventions.
• Ensures that proper authorization from insurance sources for patients has been obtained prior to treatment.
• Assists in the conduct of clinical trials in collaboration with Clinical Trials Coordinator while avoiding protocol violations.
• Recommends referrals to other disciplines and coordinates these as needed.
• Attends and actively participates in regularly scheduled interdisciplinary team meetings and coordinates recommendations from the team.
• Documents client care activities including specific data required by clinical trials.
• Evaluates delivery of care in outpatient setting and participates in improving and developing models of care.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Education

• Graduate of an accredited school of nursing.
• BSN required.

Licensure/Credentials

• Current California RN License.
• Current AHA or equivalent certification in CPR.
• ONS Chemo/Bio Provider Course, internal certification in chemotherapy administration with OCN preceptor within 3 months of hire.
• Obtain Oncology National Certification after meeting ONS eligibility criteria, strongly preferred.
• If nurse providing direct oncology care is not certified, then the nurse must complete 36 cancer-related continuing nursing education contact hours each accreditation cycle.

Experience

• Minimum of six months of RN experience.
• Two years of RN experience with oncology emphasis, preferred.

Skills

• Demonstrates competence in clinical specialty (oncology).
• Experienced in the administration of chemotherapy and biologics, including the recognition and management of chemotherapy side effects.
• Demonstrates effective time management.

Standards of Performance

• Demonstrate performance by adhering to established policies and procedures.
• Exhibit the defined characteristics associated with attendance and punctuality.

Physical Effort

• Attendance is an essential function of the job.
• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
• Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Moderate physical effort (moving patients and equipment).
• Requires lifting, bending, pushing, pulling, sitting, standing, walking, kneeling, twisting, reaching and fine motor skills.

Hours of Work

• Variable according to clinic needs.