ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Clinical Patient Care
- Perform comprehensive nursing assessments of oncology patients during clinic visits and patient encounters.
- Collect, document, and communicate vital sign and weight assessment, patient health information, symptoms, treatment responses, and concerns to providers.
- Collect patient labs prior to appointment by port access, PICC lab draw, or venipuncture.
- Monitor patients for treatment-related side effects, disease progression, and changes in condition.
- Assist providers with examinations, procedures, and coordination of care.
- Administer medications, injections, vaccinations, and treatments within scope of practice and departmental policy.
- Review laboratory results, diagnostic studies, treatment plans, and provider orders to ensure patient readiness for treatment.
- Assess and manage oncology-related symptoms using evidence-based nursing practice.
- Provide care coordination across the cancer care continuum.
- Monitor and address urgent patient concerns and collaborate with providers regarding interventions.
- Identify patients requiring immediate evaluation or escalation of care.
- Assist patients and families in navigating treatment plans and healthcare resources.
Patient Education
- Educate patients and caregivers regarding diagnosis, treatment plans, medication management, symptom monitoring, and self-care.
- Reinforce provider treatment recommendations and educational materials.
- Provide education regarding chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy, surgical procedures, and supportive care services.
- Educate patients regarding infection prevention, nutrition, activity recommendations, and symptom management strategies.
- Support informed decision-making by ensuring patients understand treatment plans and available resources.
- Assist with survivorship education and long-term follow-up planning.
Telephone Triage & Symptom Management
- Provide nursing telephone triage utilizing established protocols and clinical judgment.
- Assess patient symptoms using evidence-based oncology triage principles.
- Prioritize calls according to urgency and patient safety needs.
- Provide patient instructions and escalate concerns to providers as appropriate.
- Document triage encounters accurately and timely within the electronic medical record.
- Coordinate same-day appointments, treatment modifications, or emergency interventions when indicated.
Care Coordination
- Maintain communication with Infusion Charge Nurse and Patient Access Associate to coordinate appointments, diagnostic testing, referrals, and follow-up care.
- Facilitate communication between providers, departments, and external healthcare organizations.
- Collaborate with infusion staff regarding treatment readiness and patient care needs.
- Assist with treatment scheduling and continuity of care processes as needed.
- Coordinate supportive care services and referrals to specialty resources.
- Serve as an advocate for patient needs throughout the care continuum.
Documentation
- Maintain accurate, timely, and complete documentation in the electronic health record.
- Document patient assessments, care interventions, education, patient responses, and provider communications.
- Ensure compliance with organizational, regulatory, and accreditation standards.
- Protect patient confidentiality and safeguard protected health information.
Quality Improvement & Professional Practice
- Participate in quality improvement initiatives and departmental performance improvement activities.
- Assist with oncology program development, accreditation readiness, and regulatory compliance activities.
- Maintain competency related to oncology nursing standards and evidence-based clinical practice.
- Participate in departmental meetings, education programs, and competency validation activities.
- Support patient safety initiatives and organizational performance goals.
- Promote collaboration and teamwork throughout the organization.
General Responsibilities
- Demonstrate WCHC Core Values and Customer Service Standards.
- Maintain flexibility in scheduling and staffing needs.
- Complete assigned education and competency requirements.
- Crosstrain and support departmental operations as appropriate.
- Maintain regular attendance in accordance with WCHC attendance policies.
- Perform additional duties as assigned.
SKILLS AND ABILITIES
- Strong leadership and organizational skills.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities.
- Knowledge of oncology nursing standards and infusion therapy practices.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional conduct.
- Ability to function effectively in a fast-paced clinical environment.
EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE
- Graduate of an accredited school of nursing.
- Current Registered Nurse license in the State of Iowa.
- Minimum three years of clinical nursing experience.
- Minimum two years of oncology and/or infusion nursing experience.
- Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
- Current Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification.
- Completion of ONS (Oncology Nurse Society) Fundamentals of Chemotherapy and Immunotherapy Administration or willingness to complete within 6 months of employment.
Preferred
- Prior charge nurse or leadership experience.
- Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN®) certification.
- Biotherapy Provider Card.
- Experience utilizing oncology treatment planning systems and electronic medical records.
