Oncology Advanced Practice Provider – Outpatient Infusion

The ideal candidate is an Advanced Practice Provider (Advanced Practice Nurse or Physician Assistant) with at least 1 year experience of oncology. Exceptional new graduates with a focused interest will be considered.

Medical Knowledge

Definition: Synthesis of pathophysiology, patient presentation, and the medical, surgical, and/or radiotherapy oncologic management for patients with an oncology diagnosis.

1. Demonstrates in depth oncology specific, as well as general medical-surgical knowledge base.
2. Provides rational explanation for clinical decisions made or actions taken based on professionally approved guidelines, science, and experience as a health care provider.
3. Contribute to the research mission of the institution, by keeping abreast of protocols within one’s tumor group and identifying potential trial candidates.

Patient Care

Definition: The ability of the APP to assess all aspects of the patient’s oncologic health status, including health promotion, symptom management, and disease prevention. Psychosocial care and the involvement of the patient’s support network are also crucial to this success.

1. Performs comprehensive initial and episodic health histories and physical exams; in order to identify existing or potential health problems and initiates appropriate diagnostic, therapeutic, clinical actions.
2. Interprets clinical findings and formulates a plan of care that addresses the individual patient, this is specific to each tumor group and requires the APP to become an expert in understanding practice norms.
3. Educates patients and families regarding all aspects of oncology care including management of side effects, anticipatory teaching, patient and family counseling, and reassurance in regard to psychological and/or psychosocial issues.

Practice Based Learning and Improvement

Definition: The processes by which an APP engages in the critical analysis of their own practice experience, the medical literature, and other information resources for the purposes of self- and practice-improvement. APPs must be able to assess, evaluate, and improve their patient care practices.

1. Identifies knowledge and skill needs through self-assessment, collaborative engagement with physician colleagues, peer review, and annual performance evaluation.
2. Attends relevant continuing education programs with population specific focus and disseminates knowledge to colleagues with integration into clinical practice.
3. Applies pertinent research findings to clinical practice.

Interprofessional Collaboration and Communication Skills

Definition: The APP is proficient in working with others including specialties within a profession, between professions, with patients and families, and within and between organizations. Communication skills encompass the verbal, nonverbal, written, and electronic exchange of information.

1. Communicates with all members of the health care team to assure a unified approach to the patient’s plan of care.
2. Documents in a timely and organized method the plan of care and appropriate clinical information in congruence with hospital policy in the electronic medical record.
3. Participates in team meetings, conferences, institutional committees, and tumor boards, to enhance an interdisciplinary approach to health care delivery and to support bidirectional communication.

Professionalism

Definition: Expression of positive values and ideals as care is delivered. It involves prioritizing the interests of those being served above one’s own. APPs must acknowledge their own professional and personal limitations, as well as demonstrate a high level of responsibility, ethical practice methods, and behaviors that reflect a commitment to continuous professional development.

1. Acts as a resource, teacher, and leader in oncology care for other members of the health care team. Shares knowledge and expertise with staff, this includes acting as preceptor for students, new hire staff, and interdisciplinary learning.
2. Maintains accountability for effective time management. Adjusts hours of work to meet job demands.
3. Self reflects on personal development, this includes skills for collaboration, self-care , and building tools for emotional intelligence.
4. Maintains legal and compliance requirements for employment.

Systems-Based Practice

Definition: Encompasses the societal, organizational, and economic environments in which health care is delivered. APPs must demonstrate an awareness of and responsiveness to the larger system of health care to provide patient care that balances quality and cost.

1. Participates in evaluation of quality improvement activities related to patient care including satisfaction and health care delivery.
2. Documents clinical services provided in accordance with reimbursement and institutional policies.
3. Assists patients and families in navigating barriers to comprehensive cancer care – including but not limited to payment and reimbursement, financial resources, and referral of patients to appropriate local, state, and national patient-support resources.

Advanced Practice Nurses will have the following definition also added:

Advance Practice Nurses must also be proficient in the practice of Nursing, using a holistic approach to patient care, inclusive of considerations of the patient’s psycho/social/spiritual and physical being embedded in the social and cultural context in which they live.