Registered Nurse - Radiation Oncology

Under the supervision of the Administrative Nurse (AN) or Charge Nurse, the Registered Nurse (RN) is responsible for providing skilled and comprehensive nursing care to radiation oncology patients with a wide variety of oncological and/or disease‑related problems seen for consultation, treatment, and follow‑up.

Through application of the nursing process, the RN provides direct care and implements plans for continuity and coordination of patient care with other members of the patient’s health care team. In collaboration with the AN, the nurse provides appropriate guidance and supervision for ancillary nursing personnel and participates in orientation of new medical and/or technical personnel. Responsibilities include compliance with Medical Center and departmental Policies and Procedures, Environmental Safety, House and Telephone Standards, and compliance with all regulatory agency requirements.

The hours are generally day time from about 7 AM to 5 PM, but may vary with start times from 6:00 AM to 11:00 AM and end times may vary from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM. This role will function as the primary contact for the patients of a specific MD(s) to manage side effects, symptoms, care and coordination of complex interdisciplinary services. The RN will work closely with one or more physicians who will be directing and delegating care as appropriate.

This role will be primarily at our Mount Zion location. The position may involve travel between or working at any of our other UCSF Radiation Oncology sites.

• Identifies patients' physiological and psychosocial status in order to implement plans of care.
• Seeks and utilizes available diagnostic tests, lab values, reports and medical record information to increase awareness of current or potential problems.
• Responds to or refers inquiries appropriately. Recognizes and reports specific physical and emotional conditions/needs/concerns of the patient to the appropriate members of the healthcare team. Alerts physician to unusual conditions of the patient to facilitate immediate attention.
• Obtains vital signs (including blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation) and weights on patients being seen for consult, for follow‑up, and for weekly treatment visits. Reports abnormal findings to MD.
• Anticipates patient's response to treatment and/or disease progression and assesses appropriately per the patient's clinical condition.

• Develops holistic health care plans based upon the patient's medical condition, treatment goals, and psychosocial status.
• Anticipates potential physical and psychosocial problems in order guide patient teaching, support, coordination of, and timely provision of necessary care.
• Incorporates the patient's family into the plan of care as appropriate.
• Coordinates planning with other members of the Cancer Center, SFGH, VA, and other facilities as relevant.
• Mentors, trains, assists, and is a resource for staff to improve coordination of patients' care.

• Demonstrates and applies specialized knowledge of oncology and radiation therapy nursing in providing direct care, education and support to patients/families.
• Responsible for care of gamma‑knife patients from admission through discharge including counseling and evaluating patients prior to the procedure, assisting the neurosurgeon with frame placement, scan preparation, coordination, discharge teaching, and all other duties related to the nursing care of the gamma‑knife patient. Makes follow‑up calls to gamma‑knife patients after discharge to determine status post‑procedure status of the patient.
• Provides appropriate nursing care according to UCSF standards outlined in the Nursing Procedures Manual. This includes, but may not be limited to, care of patients requiring intravenous therapy, oxygen therapy, contrast injection, pain management and sedation. It also includes monitoring of various systems (e.g. tubes, drains, catheters) and management of surgical revisions (e.g. ostomies and wounds), skin care, and nutrition teaching.
• Reports concerns about patient status and/or abnormal changes in patients' conditions to appropriate…