Registered Nurse

Tennessee Oncology•Murfreesboro, TN

13d

About The Position

The Registered Nurse provides safe, quality care to patients throughout cancer treatment and the disease process, from diagnosis through end of life. The role helps patients manage their diagnosis while supporting their autonomy and independence through appropriate disease, symptom, and psychosocial management. The nurse coordinates direct patient care with physicians, providers, and other team members; assesses and addresses patient concerns; administers treatment; provides education and support; and maintains accurate clinical documentation and operational records. The position may involve collaboration with Sarah Cannon Research Institute nurses to support clinical-trial protocol adherence and 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 ONS Chemotherapy/Biotherapy card required within six months of hire; within nine months of hire for candidates with less than one year of oncology experience at hire.
Current TO-approved BLS provider card.
Knowledge of nursing principles and practices.
Knowledge of oncology practices and treatments.
Knowledge of current developments in cancer diagnosis and therapy.
Knowledge of research practices for Phase I, II, and III clinical trials.
Ability to administer chemotherapy and other treatment therapies.
Ability to empathize with patients and families and manage grief and challenging patient interactions.
Ability to collaborate with the healthcare team to develop personalized treatment plans for cancer patients.
Ability to cope with death and dying.
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds, remain upright on the feet most of the time, and remain in a stationary position less than one-third of the time.
Ability to communicate, distinguish sounds, visualize, and perform regular manual dexterity.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Coordinate and provide direct patient care in collaboration with other care providers and team members.
Review, update, and verify that required patient information is available before and during visits.
Collaborate with physicians and providers to assess and treat symptoms related to disease, treatment, disease progression, and acute illnesses.
Perform telephone triage using critical assessment skills to evaluate patient concerns and needs.
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 required training and competency validation.
Administer and document chemotherapy, biologic, targeted-therapy, and, where applicable, research-study drugs according to practice standards.
Follow drug-cabinet policies and procedures for verification, administration, documentation, and billing.
Document charges for services performed and medications administered.
Ensure timely collection of ordered laboratory specimens.
Monitor PT/INR results and work with providers to manage anticoagulation and Coumadin therapy.
Manage prescription and refill-extension requests according to policy and procedure.
Assist with provider-performed procedures, including 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, insurance, FMLA, and short- or long-term disability.
Screen patients for needs and 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 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 completion 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.
Maintain personal and professional growth and complete required training, continuing education, and competency validations on time.
Collaborate with dedicated clinic SCRI nurses, where applicable, to support research-protocol adherence and required SCRI documentation.