Oncology RN Patient Educator at St. Josephs Candler – Bluffton, South Carolina

The Ambulatory Oncology Nurse Patient Educator role will be utilized to improve the overall quality of care within the Oncology Service Line by providing oncology protocol specific education to patients who are starting a new treatment regimen. This job will help prepare and empower oncology patients and families with the resources and tools that are needed to ensure they are well informed to undergo the treatment plan prescribed by their Oncologist. This role requires collaboration with provider and multidisciplinary team to ensure comprehensive care. This will require a registered nurse with a strong oncology background including infusion experience who is flexible to travel to multiple sites, focused, excellent time management, communication and thorough documentation skills. Thorough review of patient’s chart including medications, allergies, provider note, labs and pathology and knowledge of testing and support medications required for each regimen. This team member will need to understand ASCO/ONS standards of care, NCCN guidelines and QOPI requirements. This team member will have their ONS/ONCC Chemotherapy Immunotherapy Certification and meet CoC requirements. This team member will also be required to be a participant in education committees. This position will also serve to provide backup for Medical Oncology Staff RN and support Medical Assistants and Providers as needed.

Education:

• Bachelors Degree in Nursing – Preferred
• ONS ONCC Chemotherapy Immunotherapy Certification- Required
• OCN Certification -Preferred or to be obtained within 6 months of hire date

Experience:

• 2+ years of Infusion/Medical Oncology- Required
• 3-5 years of nursing experience

License & Certification:

• 2+ years of Infusion/Medical Oncology- Required
• 3-5 years of nursing experience

Core Job Functions:

1. Demonstrates thorough review of patient’s chart including medications, allergies, provider note, labs, pathology and ensures all necessary testing has been ordered per regimen requirements. Communicates effectively with provider about any regimen questions or testing that needs to be ordered.
2. Prioritizes patient education appointments by date, time frame, urgency and pre-treatment requirements. Collaborates with multidisciplinary team members including infusion Resource Coordinator, Pharmacist, Dietician, Social Worker, Oncology Nurse Navigator, Infusion Scheduler and Office Coordinators to ensure comprehensive care.
3. Prepares patient education packet, consent, calendar and support medications for eprescribing. Schedules lab and follow up appointment 1-2 weeks after new treatment has been received.
4. Provides regimen specific education to patient and family and assesses any barriers or social determinants of health. Obtains preferred pharmacy, port placement date if applicable, and ensures all necessary testing and referrals have been scheduled. (Cardiac clearance, dental clearance, etc). Provides patient and family with treatment handouts including shopping list, when to call/contact information, allergic reactions, safe handling of drugs/bodily fluids, sexual concerns including fertility and calendar. Answers all questions with effective communication. Obtains consent. Provides a brief tour of the infusion center. Provides patient with copy of education note (provided on day of treatment by infusion nurse), lab and treatment schedule. Enters 99211 billing code for nursing visit.
5. Communicates with multidisciplinary team and provider after education session about any barriers to care or patient needs. Contacts patient within 72 hours post education session to ensure patient has understanding of treatment plan including support medications, clinic contact numbers and appointment details.
6. Provides support to providers, staff RN and medical assistants in clinic as needed and collaborates with education nurse at alternate campus.