Registered Nurse RN- Medical Oncology

MyMichigan Health•Saginaw, MI

17h

About The Position

The Medical Oncology Registered Nurse cares for patients with cancer diagnoses, medical step-down needs, and general medical overflow. The nurse uses basic knowledge of cancer pathophysiology to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate patient care in accordance with physician-authorized plans and accepted nursing standards. The position includes direct nursing care, complicated IV therapy, chemotherapy administration, central-line use, patient and family education, and collaboration with interdisciplinary team members. New hires or transfers who are new to oncology nursing must complete the specified ONS chemotherapy education pathway unless exempt because they already hold an ONS chemotherapy/biotherapy safe-handling card or OCN certification. The role also requires participation in the Transition of Care course during the first 12 months after hire or transfer. A $9,000 sign-on incentive is offered with a two-year sign-on contract for qualified candidates.

Requirements

Associate degree in nursing; a bachelor's degree is preferred.
Registered Nurse (RN) credential.
Basic Life Support (BLS) certification within one month of hire or transfer; AHA is the listed qualification source.
TEAM ADVANCED (Techniques for Effective Aggression Management) certification within six months of hire or transfer; employees in the position on or before 08/01/2024 have 24 months to complete it.
For full-time and part-time RNs new to oncology nursing, pass the ONS Cancer Basics course within six months.
For full-time and part-time RNs new to oncology nursing, pass the ONS Chemotherapy/Biotherapy Fundamentals of Administration course within 12 months.
Obtain ONS Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN) or Certified Medical-Surgical Nurse (CMSRN) certification within three years, for the described oncology education pathway.
Maintain the applicable ONS chemotherapy/biotherapy course or certificate according to ONS recommendations.
Demonstrate safety and proficiency in preparation, administration, handling, and disposal of antineoplastic agents, and comply with chemotherapy-spill and extravasation policies.
Demonstrate competency with the health system's policies for accessing, dressing, and flushing vascular access devices.
Demonstrate competency in assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating oncology patient and family learning needs.
Demonstrate competency in Microsoft Windows; further learning opportunities may be required.
Meet the described physical and functional requirements, including mobility, sensory ability, dexterity, lifting and carrying, and ability to sit, stand, walk, and perform postural changes.
Ability to handle multiple tasks, work independently and with others, maintain regular and predictable attendance, and stay awake.
For casual positions, agree to the required minimum commitments if needed: at least 48 hours per month, including 24 weekend hours, and 24 holiday hours annually.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in nursing.
Existing ONS chemotherapy/biotherapy safe-handling card or OCN certification exempts new hires or transfers new to oncology nursing from the Cancer Basics and Chemotherapy Fundamentals coursework.

Responsibilities

Assess patient needs and provide skilled nursing services in accordance with the physician-authorized plan of care and accepted nursing standards.
Provide direct patient care, including nursing assessments, medication administration, treatments, responding to call lights and alarms, and assisting with transfers.
Evaluate treatment effectiveness and patient condition; collaborate with team members to suggest and participate in updates to treatment plans.
Process provider orders and carry out ordered care accurately, completely, and promptly.
Follow up on medication changes and clarify orders as needed.
Interpret clinical information and report pertinent data to physicians and appropriate team members, including significant changes and abnormal findings.
Assess individual learning needs and provide education tailored to readiness, ability, preferences, and cultural or spiritual variables.
Participate in care conferences as assigned and maintain working relationships with interdisciplinary personnel.
Coordinate care provided by patient care technicians and organize and prioritize the needs of individual and groups of patients.
Instruct team members when appropriate, explaining goals and rationale for individualized care.
Implement clinical and technical care according to established policies and procedures; understand and appropriately use clinical pathways.
Document care accurately, clearly, and concisely, including pertinent clinical data.
Participate in regulatory surveys, performance-improvement activities, orientation, ongoing competency activities, and professional association activities and programs.
Maintain current professional knowledge through journals and seminars and understand the role in emergency preparedness procedures.
Administer complicated IV therapy, including antibiotics, blood, cardiac drips, and chemotherapy.
Assess patients for signs and symptoms of cancer or treatment complications and provide care for medical, oncology, medical step-down, and telemetry patients using critical thinking.
Use central lines accurately for blood draws and chemotherapy administration, and demonstrate safe handling and administration of antineoplastic agents and compliance with spill and extravasation policies.
Demonstrate competency in accessing, dressing, and flushing vascular access devices, including Hohn, PICCs, Groshong, Hickman, and implanted medports.
Support patients and families during severe stress situations and assess, plan, implement, and evaluate their oncology learning needs.
Complete the Transition of Care course during the first 12 months after hire or transfer.
Perform other duties as assigned.