Registered Nurse

OneOncology•Cookeville, TN

About The Position

Provides patients with safe, quality care throughout treatment and the disease process, from diagnosis through end of life. Helps patients manage their diagnosis while retaining autonomy and independence through appropriate disease, symptom, and psychosocial management. Coordinates and performs direct patient care in collaboration with physicians, providers, and other team members. The role includes symptom assessment and management, telephone triage, vascular access care, chemotherapy and other medication administration, patient education, clinical documentation, and coordination of supportive services. The nurse also supports clinic operations, supervises LPNs, CNAs, and MAs, and may travel to other Tennessee Oncology clinics as needed. At applicable locations, the nurse collaborates with Sarah Cannon Research Institute nurses to support research-protocol adherence and required documentation.

Requirements

Current Tennessee or compact-state RN license.
At least one year of RN experience; this may be waived with Executive Director of Nursing approval.
Current Tennessee Oncology-approved BLS provider card.
Current ONS Chemotherapy/Biotherapy card within six months of hire; within nine months of hire for candidates with less than one year of oncology experience at hire.
Knowledge of nursing principles and practices, oncology practices and treatments, current developments in cancer diagnosis and therapy, and Phase I, II, and III clinical research practices.
Ability to administer chemotherapy and other treatment therapies.
Ability to empathize with patients and families, handle grief and challenging patient interactions, cope with death and dying, and collaborate with the healthcare team on personalized treatment plans.
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds, remain upright on the feet most of the time, communicate, distinguish sounds, visualize, and perform regular manual dexterity tasks.

Nice To Haves

Oncology certification is strongly recommended within two years of hire.
Experience in an outpatient facility is preferred.

Responsibilities

Coordinate and perform direct patient care in collaboration with care providers and team members.
Review, update, and verify required patient data before and during each visit.
Collaborate with physicians and providers to assess and treat symptoms related to disease, treatment, disease progression, and acute illness.
Perform telephone triage and evaluate patient concerns and needs using critical assessment skills.
Start peripheral IVs and manage central venous access devices, including accessing and deaccessing implanted ports.
Mix and administer chemotherapy and other drugs according to Tennessee Oncology standards after training and competency validation.
Administer and document chemotherapy, biologic, targeted therapy, and applicable research study drugs according to practice standards.
Follow drug-cabinet policies and procedures, including drug verification, administration, documentation, and billing.
Document charges for services performed and medications administered.
Collect ordered laboratory specimens promptly; monitor PT/INR results and work with providers to manage anticoagulation or Coumadin therapy.
Manage prescription and refill extension requests according to policy and procedure.
Assist with provider-performed procedures, such as bone marrow and skin punch biopsies.
Coordinate supportive care with appropriate hospital staff, including blood product transfusions.
Educate patients and document readiness to learn and understanding of teaching and informed-consent information.
Complete paperwork for patient assistance, employment, and insurance matters, including FMLA and short- and long-term disability forms.
Screen patients for needs or distress, provide appropriate counseling and interventions, and refer them to community or support services.
Use an empathetic and caring approach with patients.
Navigate the electronic medical record and document patient information and services performed.
Complete required drug and sample inventory counts, supply requests, waste documentation, audits, and billing entries.
Inform the Clinic or Operations Manager of clinic needs and work-environment concerns.
Supervise LPNs, CNAs, and MAs.
Stock and manage inventory and supplies.
Generate and review daily clinical reports for completeness and accuracy.
Adhere to practice standards, policies, and procedures.
Travel to other Tennessee Oncology clinics as needed.
Participate in committees and focus groups as requested.
Take responsibility for personal and professional growth, and complete assigned training, continuing education, and competency validations on time.
At applicable locations, collaborate with dedicated clinic SCRI nurses to support research-protocol adherence and required SCRI documentation.