Oncology Clinic RN

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.