RN Medical Ambulatory Care Oncology at Whidbey General Hospital – Coupeville, Washington

JOB SUMMARY

The registered nurse provides various clinical services depending on their areas of specialization and their work environment. The RN is responsible for the nursing management of patients being infused with chemotherapy/biotherapy/immunotherapy, fluids, other medications and/or blood products. The RN provides care for the patients as well as assisting physicians and advanced care practitioners in providing treatment to patients in various medical settings. The RN monitors, records and reports symptoms or changes in patient’s conditions. The RN is tasked with maintaining accurate patients’ reports and medical histories, administering medication and treatment to patients and observing reactions or side effects. Registered nurses may perform diagnostic tests, supervise less skilled licensed or certified nurses, and prepare patients for examination and treatment. The RN educates advises and patients and their families / caregivers on various health conditions, discharge instructions, and follow up care. RNs in MAC Oncology and Infusions clinic may be assigned roles that include rooming patient for provider visits, treatment and infusions, and/or telephone triage.

PRINCIPLE FUNCTIONS includes the following, other duties may be assigned:

1. Patient Assessment:

Reviews MD orders and completes assessment with patient / family / caregiver and takes appropriate actions for inaccurate or incomplete orders. Evaluates patient care needs. Suggest solutions to patient care problems & complaints. Performs a nursing assessment prior to each infusion and throughout procedure. Evaluates lab data and clinical information before proceeding with patient treatment. Ability to perform patient assessment via telephone triage.

1. Plan of Care:

Care coordination (across the continuum of care). Responsible for patient case management. Coordinates nursing and patient care activities within the department and with other clinical departments in order to provide efficient, comprehensive & cost-effective patient care. This includes working with reception and scheduling staff to ensure appropriate patient bookings and appointment triage. Develops a plan of care consistent with RN assessment, assessed patient and family learning needs and provider orders consistent with specific treatment goals and provider diagnosis.

1. Care Provided:

Implements and completes treatment process with patient including patient and/or family/caregiver education. Provides psychosocial support to patient and family and refers to other resources which may include consultation to social services, dieticians, financial advocates or other areas when patient’s situation indicates. Accepts care assignments according to education and skill level.

1. Medication:

Knowledge of all medications and potential side effects. Prior to infusion, safely prepares infusion setups and administration processes. Administers medications as ordered by provider in accordance with hospital and department policies.

**Units that utilize bmv, expectation is 95% medication scanning and 100% patient scanning **

1. Telephone Triage:

Triage RN participants in patient assessment and symptom management through telephone triage, effectively managing workload, emails, and faxes from various sources; and communication via the patient portal. This role involves receiving, requesting, reviewing, and clarifying orders from external providers (pertaining to non-Whidbey Health Oncology patients), and uploading CAM monitors. The Triage RN is responsible for retrieving certain medical records, processing prescription refills, coordinating with external vendor for infusion pump orders, reviewing treatment plans, and serving as a resource or support staff and medical assistance within the practice. Triage RN will provide support coverage in infusion as needed.

1. Quality Assurance:

Assess quality of care, patient progress, and modifies plan of care as needed. Reports any abnormalities, patient and family/caregiver concerns, and/or injuries to Provider. Participates in departmental and organizational quality improvement programs, when applicable. Maintains professional affiliations and continuing education as required.

1. Documentation:

Completes documentation for care provided as well as or any other specialty patient care data in accordance with department and organizational policy.

JOB KNOWLEDGE & QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Required: Graduate of an accredited school of nursing
• Preferred:BSN Training and Experience

• At least one year oncology/infusion experience preferred.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

• Active WA State RN License or Active Multistate License (MSL)
• MSL Requirements:
  • Approved 6-Hour Suicide Prevention Training Course Completion
  • Screenshot of submitted demographic data using the Washington State Multistate Nurse Demographic Data Survey.
• BLS Required.
• Oncology Nursing Society Chemotherapy/Biotherapy card required, to be obtained within 30 days as part of department orientation.
• Oncology Certification (OCN) preferred.