Registered Nurse, RN - Oncology Care Unit (OCU)

Tufts Medicine•Lowell, MA

2d•$38 - $68•Onsite

About The Position

The Registered Nurse in the Oncology Care Unit independently provides direct nursing care to patients and their families in accordance with established policies, procedures, and practices. The role includes assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating care for a designated group of patients, and providing clinical support within the nurse’s scope of practice to achieve each patient’s plan of care. The nurse uses professional judgment to individualize care, coordinates and delegates work based on patient needs and team members’ skills, and supports patient and family education, discharge planning, and informed decision-making. The position is located in the Oncology Care Unit at the Main Campus and is scheduled for 36 hours on the day shift, including weekends and holidays. Physical demands include occasional lifting of 30–35 pounds and turning patients, prolonged standing and walking, and occasional twisting, bending, reaching, pushing or pulling, sitting, kneeling, and squatting. The role involves exposure to infectious disease, blood-borne pathogens, and possible carcinogenic chemicals, and requires fine manual dexterity and the visual and aural acuity needed to monitor patient care. The Community RN Career Direct Care Pathway has four levels based on minimum experience, education, and qualifications: Level I requires 0 to less than 12 months of RN experience; Level II requires 12 months to less than 3 years; Level III requires 3 to less than 8 years; and Level IV requires 8 years of RN experience. The base pay range is $37.50–$68.47, based on full-time equivalent. Individual offers take into account relevant experience, certifications, education, skills, and internal equity.

Requirements

Massachusetts RN licensure.
Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
Experience appropriate to the assigned pathway level: Level I, 0 to less than 12 months; Level II, 12 months to less than 3 years; Level III, 3 to less than 8 years; Level IV, 8 years.
Department-specific certifications relevant to the department and type of patient care may be required.
Ability to communicate effectively with patients, families, physicians, and the healthcare team.
Knowledge of and ability to apply the nursing process.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).

Responsibilities

Participate in and maintain awareness of performance improvement initiatives.
Evaluate and integrate evidence-based practice and research into clinical practice.
Conduct and document accurate clinical assessments.
Develop, implement, and evaluate each patient’s individualized plan of care.
Use professional nursing judgment to individualize care based on assessment of patient needs.
Manage patient assignments and delegate effectively based on patient needs and team members’ skills.
Develop and document comprehensive education plans for patients and families using appropriate resources.
Support patients’ and families’ rights to make informed decisions and to establish advance directives.
Continuously evaluate and revise care plans as patients’ health status changes.
Develop comprehensive discharge plans using appropriate resources and referrals, including community resources.
Support the development and transition of new staff members into the unit.
Guide the professional growth of department staff through precepting.
Identify learning needs and seek appropriate education for professional development.
Participate in departmental committees as needed.
Provide direct nursing care to patients and families in accordance with established policies, procedures, and practices.