Registered Nurse; RN Oncology Radiation Therapy

Job Summary

The Registered Nurse (RN) – Oncology Radiation Therapy at Med Star Washington Hospital Center provides comprehensive, patient-centered nursing care to adult oncology patients undergoing radiation treatment while collaborating closely with radiation oncologists, physicists, dosimetrists, therapists, and the interdisciplinary care team to ensure safe, effective, and compassionate care across the treatment continuum. This role is responsible for patient assessment, education, symptom management, and care coordination, with a strong focus on supporting patients and families through complex cancer treatment plans in an outpatient and/or ambulatory setting, requiring excellent clinical judgment, strong communication skills, and the ability to address both the physical and emotional needs of patients receiving radiation therapy.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide safe, evidence-based nursing care to oncology patients receiving radiation therapy in accordance with established clinical standards, policies, and procedures.
• Perform comprehensive patient assessments before, during, and after radiation treatments, identifying and addressing physical, emotional, and psychosocial needs.
• Monitor, assess, and manage treatment-related side effects and symptoms, including pain, skin reactions, fatigue, and other radiation-related complications.
• Educate patients and families on radiation therapy procedures, expected side effects, self-care strategies, and follow-up care to promote understanding and adherence to treatment plans.
• Administer medications and supportive therapies as prescribed, ensuring accurate documentation and compliance with safety protocols.
• Collaborate with radiation oncologists, radiation therapists, physicists, dosimetrists, and the interdisciplinary care team to coordinate patient care and treatment schedules.
• Serve as a patient advocate, providing emotional support, counseling, and resources throughout the course of treatment.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and complete clinical documentation within the electronic medical record.
• Participate in quality improvement initiatives, patient safety activities, and compliance with regulatory and accreditation standards.
• Adhere to infection prevention, radiation safety, and workplace safety guidelines to ensure a safe environment for patients, staff, and visitors.

Education

• Associate's degree in Nursing required
• Bachelor's degree in Nursing preferred
• If prepared at the associate degree in nursing level required to enroll in a BSN program within 12 months of hire date and completion within 4 years of hire date.

Experience

• Minimum of 2 years of clinical nursing experience required; oncology or radiation therapy experience strongly preferred.
• Experience caring for patients with complex medical conditions in an acute care, ambulatory, or outpatient setting.
• Demonstrated experience in patient assessment, symptom management, and patient/family education.
• Experience working collaboratively within an interdisciplinary healthcare team.
• Prior experience with electronic medical records and clinical documentation systems.
• Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) experience or exposure preferred.

Licenses and Certifications

• Current Registered Nurse (RN) license in the District of Columbia (or eligible for DC licensure) required.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required.
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification preferred.
• Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN®) or Radiation Oncology Nursing Certification preferred, or willingness to obtain within a specified timeframe.