Registered Nurse; RN - Clinic; Oncology

Description

Being diagnosed with cancer is certainly a terrifying and life-changing event. The impact of cancer on one's life is relative to the extent of disruption and change experienced. Some patients under treatment continue to work or care for their families, facing life, using available resources. It is the nurse’s ability to provide education to the patient and family members across the treatment continuum by guiding the patient in adjusting to the truth of the illness to reduce anxiety and improve coping skills.

It is the nurse’s role to perform thorough assessment and apply intervention that will promote positive impact on patient outcomes. Oncology nurses play a significant part in the health care team, as he or she works in all aspects of cancer care. Oncology nurses integrate their technical skills, scientific knowledge, and caring attitude to aid those living with cancer, including their families – starting from diagnosis, treatment, then survivorship to end-of-life care.

Oncology nurses assume a variety of roles when providing care for patients with cancer. From being an educator for family members to administration of patient treatment, nurses working for cancer patients should possess a broad range of clinical skills to be effective in the workplace.

• Maintains the standards of nursing care and implements the policies and procedures of the hospital and Clinical Services.
• Provides direct patient care for assigned patients of all ages utilizing the nursing process (assessment, planning, intervention, evaluation).
• Assesses the patient’s condition considering age-specific developmental needs and discharge planning needs.
• Develops a plan of care and prescribes appropriate nursing interventions to achieve expected outcomes.
• Evaluates patient outcomes and modifies the plan of care as conditions change.
• Recognizes and treats cancer-related issues. Charts patient response to treatment and medication.
• Participates in cancer research to enhance treatment protocols.
• Watches and records patient progress consistently and accurately.
• Reports pertinent observations and reactions to appropriate leadership and physicians.
• Administers medications, IV therapy, and treatments as ordered.
• Assists physicians with special tests and procedures (thoracentesis, lumbar tap, etc.).
• Initiates and/or assists in emergency measures (e.g., cardiac arrest).
• Follows disaster procedures, standard precautions, aseptic techniques, infection control, and isolation guidelines.
• Investigates and reports incidents per risk management policy.
• Completes annual competency evaluations and maintains required certifications.

• Provides supportive resources to patients and families to promote a positive outlook.
• Teaches patients and families regarding treatment expectations.
• Directs and participates in discharge planning and education of patients and significant others.
• Establishes and maintains effective communication with patients, families, and staff to support the hospital mission.
• Coordinates nursing care with other departments for therapies and procedures.
• Ensures equipment is maintained in a clean and safe manner.
• Participates in maintaining a clean and safe environment.

• Delegates nursing care according to patient needs and staff qualifications.
• Participates in orientation of new personnel.
• Participates in performance evaluations of nursing staff.
• Participates in staff development programs.

• Delegates care appropriately to optimize staffing resources.
• Coordinates care efficiently to reduce delays and resource waste.
• Ensures proper equipment maintenance to prevent unnecessary replacement costs.
• Reports incidents in accordance with risk management policies to reduce liability…