Job Description:The Infusion Nurse provides patients with safe, quality care throughout their treatment and disease process as effectively as possible at all stages of diagnosis to end of life. The Infusion Nurse helps patients manage and live with diagnosis, retaining autonomy and independence by using the most appropriate disease/ symptom/psychosocial management techniques.
Overall responsibilities include but are not limited to:- Reviews/updates/verifies all patient required data is present and available prior to and during each visit.
- Collaborates with physician/provider to assess/treat symptoms related to disease, treatment, disease progression as well as acute illnesses.
- Performs telephone triage utilizing critical assessment skills to assess and evaluate patient concerns/needs.
- Starts peripheral IVs, manages central venous access devices including accessing and de-accessing implanted ports.
- Mixes and or administers chemotherapy and other drugs according to COG standards after training and competency validation.
- Administers and documents administration of chemo/bio/targeted therapy and/or research study drugs (if applicable to clinic location) according to COG practice standards.
- Follows all policies, procedures, standards related to use of drug cabinet including drug verification, drug administration, documentation, and billing.
- Documents charges for services performed and medications administered.
- Ensures timely collection of all ordered laboratory specimens.
- Manages prescription/refill extension requests per COG policy, procedure, and standards.
- Assists with provider performed procedures (i.e. bone marrow biopsies and skin punch biopsies)
- Conducts patient education and documents patient readiness to learn and understanding of teaching and or information provided during the informed consent process.
- Completes forms and other necessary paperwork for patient assistance, patient employment, insurance. (i.e. FMLA, short- and long-term disability, etc.).
- Screens patients routinely for needs and or distress and provides appropriate counseling, interventions, and makes referrals to appropriate community /support services.
- Uses an empathetic and caring approach with patients at all times.
- Demonstrates ability to effectively navigate within the Electronic Medical Record (EMR).
- Documents patient information and services performed in the EMR.
- Completes required daily/weekly/monthly drug/sample drug inventory counts, supply requests, waste documentation, audits, billing entries, etc.
- Informs Clinic / Operations Manager of clinic needs and concerns relating to the work environment.
- Stocks & manages inventory and supplies.
- Generates and reviews daily clinical reports for completion and accuracy.
- Adheres to practice standards and Policy and Procedures.
- Travels to other COG clinics as needed.
- Participates on committees and focus groups as requested.
- Assumes responsibility for personal and professional growth.
- Completes, on time, required /assigned training, continuing education, competency validations necessary.
- Perform job expectations /responsibilities accurately & successfully.
- Other duties as required.
- Education/Experience
- Current Registered Nurse state license, Oncology experience preferred
- BSN, preferred
- Current BLS provider card
- Certification in Oncology, preferred
- Minimum 3 years RN Experience
- Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
- Strong organizational and written/verbal communication skills.
- Knowledge of nursing principles and practices.
- Knowledge of standards for cancer diagnosis/oncology practices/treatments.
- Ability to administer chemotherapy and other treatment therapies.
- Ability to empathize with patients and families and to deal with grief and challenging patient/visitor interactions.
- Ability to collaborate with health care team to make personalized treatment plans for each cancer patient.
