Verification Nurse (Oncology) Must hold an Oncology Nurse Certificate in Chemotherapy and Immunotherapy
Preferred to be a Certified Oncology Nurse
Distinguishing Features of the Class: Under supervision of a higher-level professional nurse, the Verification Nurse is an experienced oncology RN responsible for independently verifying all antineoplastic (chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy) orders prior to preparation and administration. This role serves as a dedicated safety checkpoint to ensure accuracy, completeness, and adherence to ASCO/ONS Antineoplastic Therapy Administration Safety Standards. This position collaborates closely with authorization specialists, prescribers, the pharmacy, and inpatient and outpatient oncology nurses, and nurse leaders to reduce medication errors, maintain regulatory compliance, and ensure safe, high-quality cancer care. Does related work as required.
Examples of Work: (Illustrative Only)
Reviews and verifies pre-treatment orders and treatment plans, ensuring accuracy of regimen, body surface area (BSA), dosing, route, diluent, sequencing, cycle/day, clinical parameters, calculations, including complex therapies, such as clinical trial regimens, investigational agents, bispecifics, and desensitization plans.
Confirms treatment readiness through pre-visit assessment, lab reviews, diagnostics, organ function checks, and performance status evaluation.
Verifies orders align with indication-to-regimen, evidence-based guidelines, institutional protocols, and clinical pathways.
Identifies inconsistencies or missing information and obtains timely clarification from prescribers.
Ensures concerns are escalated promptly, using clear, collaborative communication to support timely treatment decisions and patient safety.
Coordinates care with providers, pharmacists, and nursing staff to address gaps or barriers.
Verifies required pre-medications, hydration, labs, vitals, and supportive care are met prior to administration.
Maintains thorough, timely documentation of verification steps, discrepancies identified, actions taken, and escalation outcomes to ensure a complete and auditable verification record.
Participates in oncology safety initiatives, order set/pathway review, and EHR optimization related to treatment plans.
Ensures compliance with ASCO/ONS standards, USP , Joint Commission requirements, institutional safety policies, and necessary annual competency training.
Ensure required chemotherapy teaching and symptom management education is completed and documented prior to treatment starting.
Required knowledge, skills, abilities and attributes: thorough knowledge of antineoplastic agents, oncology protocols, independent double-check processes and high-alert medication safety; good knowledge of application of current nursing techniques and procedures; good knowledge of nursing service philosophy; good knowledge of the organization, function, policies, regulations and procedures of the organization as they relate to oncology services; good knowledge of federal, state and accreditation requirements; excellent communication skills, attention to detail, and ability to work in a fast-paced environment; skill in the use of computer applications such as spreadsheets, word processing, e-mail and database software; resourcefulness; integrity; tact; initiative; sound professional judgment; physical condition commensurate with the duties of the position.
Minimum Acceptable Training and Experience: Possession of a valid license and current registration issued by the New York State Education Department as a Registered Nurse, and two years of professional nursing experience in the field of infusion oncology. Must hold a current ONS certificate and prefer to be an Oncology Certified Nurse.
