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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. Requirements 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.