Registered Nurse - Oncology

Lehigh Valley Health Network•Easton, PA

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Oncology Nurse provides professional, safe, efficient, and high-quality nursing care to patients in the designated oncology department. As a member of the cancer care team, the nurse educates patients, coordinates care, administers and monitors treatment, and collaborates with other healthcare disciplines to support safe oncologic care. The nurse participates in assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating patient care, helps maintain a safe work environment, and demonstrates annual competence with clinical skills, equipment, and the electronic medical record system. The role includes supporting patients and families throughout diagnosis and treatment, explaining medical terminology and treatment approaches, and offering guidance on personal care, symptom management, health promotion, and disease prevention. The nurse contributes to departmental and hospital goals, quality and safety initiatives, performance improvement, colleague experience, and protection of patient health information. This is an onsite day-shift position at Lehigh Valley Hospital–Muhlenberg, in the Hematology Oncology Clinic. The listed work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Requirements

Graduate of an accredited nursing program.
Knowledge and competence reflecting current nursing practice.
Ability to think critically and adapt to changing situations.
Successful completion of specialty-related orientation programs.
Ability to organize and prioritize assignments in delivering patient care.
Ability to work collaboratively with a team to care for patients.
Ability to communicate effectively with patients, families, and colleagues.
Knowledge of word processing, electronic health records, and database software applications.
BLS (Basic Life Support) certification from the American Heart Association upon hire.
OCN (Oncology Certified Nurse) certification from the Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation within three years.
Pennsylvania RN license upon hire, or an NLC Compact State RN license upon hire.
Ability to meet the physical demands listed: lift and carry 40–50 pounds; push or pull patients on beds or stretchers (29 pounds of push force); perform lateral transfers involving up to 50 pounds of a patient’s weight; stand and walk frequently to continuously; and, as role-specific, kneel, bend, squat, and perform CPR.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Nursing.
One year of acute care and/or oncology nursing experience.
A department-specific ONCC certification may be considered in place of OCN.

Responsibilities

Assess, plan, implement, and evaluate care for designated oncology patients.
Recognize when collaboration or communication with physicians and interdisciplinary team members is needed, and proactively take action to address patient needs.
Use critical thinking, attention to detail, and adaptability in changing situations.
Communicate effectively with patients, families, visitors, staff, and professional colleagues, and advocate for patients.
Educate patients and families verbally and in writing, explaining medical terminology and treatment methods; answer questions and advise on personal care, symptom management, health promotion, and disease prevention.
Provide support and guidance through diagnosis and treatment, and refer patients and families to healthcare services and community resources.
Communicate with the interdisciplinary team to prevent, correct, or minimize patient complications based on physiological, behavioral, and environmental observations.
Follow established policies and procedures and evidence-based practices to support quality and safety; participate in evidence-based practice and research projects as applicable.
Support department and hospital goals and objectives, and participate in performance improvement activities addressing patient and colleague experience.
Use technology to optimize communication and patient care delivery.
Participate in team-building activities, mentor new staff, delegate appropriately based on colleagues’ skills and expertise, and provide input on performance appraisals when requested.
Follow LVHN confidentiality policy and protect patients’ Protected Health Information in accordance with HIPAA guidelines.
Maintain annual competence with clinical skills, clinical equipment, and the electronic medical record system.