SUMMARY

Coordinate total nursing care for patients using nursing standards and the nursing process; adhering to Oncology Nursing Standards. Participate in patient and family teaching; provide leadership working cooperatively with other health care providers.

JOB DUTIES

Obtains patient history at consultation by reviewing medical information and interviewing patient and family. Reports pertinent observations noted at initial consultation, weekly status checks, or on phone or in department visits regarding patients, to the appropriate person (physician, manager, other members of oncology team) Records these observations and condition changes accurately, concisely and legibly.

Plans, implements and documents health teaching relating to diagnosis and radiation therapy with patient and/or significant others and family members.

Assesses the patient’s condition and nursing needs. Based on those conditions and needs, develops and implements individual plan of care with revisions as patient’s condition and needs change. Assess pain, fatigue, nausea and vomiting, bowel function, skin and mucosa specific to diagnosis and therapy. Assesses psychosocial issues (home situation, availability of support, past coping mechanisms, financial concerns, work status) Actively and supportively listens to patient and family concerns. Clarifies information for patient to understand in order to make treatment decisions. Counsels on specific issues of concern (e.g., sexuality or end of life issues) Recognizes and coordinates referral for social work or psychiatry.

Maintains the standards of nursing care within the guidelines of the nursing department.

Demonstrates knowledge of and implements policies and procedures of the hospital and nursing departments.

Directs and evaluates nursing care provided to the patients and administers direct care, by using professional nursing skills and judgments as required. Includes pain assessment, interventions, and re-assessment.

Assists physicians with patient procedures, and exams.

Transcribes physician orders accurately and legibly.

Administers medications, including IV’s according to hospital policy and procedure. Administers intravenous, subcutaneous, oral medications and biologic therapies according to hospital policy and procedure.

Demonstrates cost-conscious use of supplies; maintains equipment in a clean and safe manner.

Participates in the orientation of new staff and in the clinical experience of students.

Assumes personal responsibility for professional development and continuing education. ONS Chemotherapy provider course/recert every two years; Attends ONS Radiation specific training course. ONCC (OCN) certification/recert every four years.

Special computer skills utilized

Recognizes and reports findings outside the normal range for this age group. Observes lab values pertinent to specific diagnosis and therapy. Reports abnormal to physician.

Ability to communicate and serves as a liaison between patient’s family and services needed.

Knowledgeable of importance of patient safety assessment.

Demonstrates the ability to provide age specific dietary considerations. Specific dietary needs for oncology patient related to diagnosis, performance status and therapy.

Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

Professional knowledge of nursing theory and practice at a level normally acquired through completion of an accredited School of Nursing. Two to three years’ oncology experience, competent intravenous skills. Completion of Comprehensive Cancer and chemotherapy course for new oncology nurses. ONS chemotherapy provider card required within 6 months of employment. OCN certification preferred.

Current State Nursing License.

Communication skills necessary to effectively:

Provide instruction to the patient and/or significant other

Provide explanations to the patient and/or significant other

Explain nursing intervention

Communicate with other members of the health team.

BLS required.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Normal patient care environment with little exposure to excessive noise, dust, and temperature changes. A large part of work time is standing or walking.

Subject to certain distasteful patient care activities and exposure to communicable diseases.

May be scheduled overtime, weekend and/or holiday hours.

May be exposed to potential hazards such as chemical wastes, body wastes, fluids and other possible infectious material. Adherence to Oncology Nursing Guidelines and use of specially designed chemotherapy personal protective equipment is required per hospital policy and procedure.

DISCLOSURE

MMC commits to review, under the intent of this standard, and in coordination with medical professional opinion’s and physical demands job analysis performed by certified professionals, an individual’s ability to be reasonably accommodated within the role they are responsible and qualified to perform.

MMC is committed to complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) and providing equal opportunity employment for qualified persons with disabilities. All employment practices and activities are conducted on a nondiscriminatory basis. Meadville Medical Center will follow any state or local law that provides individuals with disabilities greater protection that the ADA.

Every effort has been made to make your job description as complete as possible. However, this in no way states or implies that these are the only duties you will be required to perform. The omission of specific tasks does not exclude them from the position if the task is similar, related, or is a logical assignment to the position, or is imperative for patient care and to meet emergency situations.