Registered Practical Nurse - Oncology Clinic (GEN)

Scarborough Health Network•Granbury, TX

1d•CA$36 - CA$40•Onsite

About The Position

The Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) works in the Cancer Care and Hematology Clinics at Scarborough Health Network, providing care alongside a multidisciplinary interprofessional team for a diverse adult patient population requiring cancer care and hematology services. Reporting to the Manager of the Cancer Care and Hematology Clinics, the RPN collaborates directly with RNs and other care providers to address patients’ and families’ physical, psychological, social, spiritual, and educational needs. The RPN practices in accordance with the College of Nurses of Ontario’s standards. The role provides autonomous care for situations with predictable outcomes and low risk of negative outcomes, and involves collaboration or consultation with an RN and other providers when care needs extend beyond that scope. The position also supports coordinated clinic care, patient and family teaching, safe clinical procedures, infection prevention practices, and ongoing professional development. Required oncology chemotherapy and immunotherapy qualifications must be obtained and maintained within the stated timelines.

Requirements

Current registration as a Registered Practical Nurse with the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO).
Registered Practical Nurse diploma from an accredited community college.
Current BCLS.
Complete the Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) Fundamentals of Chemotherapy and Immunotherapy Administration course and obtain the ONS Fundamentals Provider Card within the first two months of hire or transfer.
Obtain the ONS/ONCC Chemotherapy Immunotherapy Certificate of Added Qualification within the first six months of hire or transfer, and maintain it every two years for the duration of employment in the Cancer Care and Hematology Clinics.
Experience within the last three years caring for patients with cancer diagnoses and their families.
Experience and competency with IV insertion and CVAD (PICC/PORT) care, including accessing, de-accessing, flushing, blood draws, and dressing changes.
Knowledge, experience, and ability to provide IV therapy, administer IV medication and blood or blood products, monitor blood glucose, follow routine and additional infection-control precautions, and interpret normal and abnormal laboratory values.
Competency administering subcutaneous and intramuscular injections.
Experience providing health teaching to patients and families.
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to respond in emergency situations.
Ability to lift, turn, and transfer patients manually and with mechanical aids.
Effective oral and written communication skills.
Ability to clearly articulate and document nursing assessments and patients’ goals of care.
Familiarity and comfort with electronic documentation, including EPIC.
Strong organizational, prioritization, and problem-solving skills.
Willingness to participate in process improvement.
Commitment to maintaining Reflective Practice Standards as outlined by the College of Nurses of Ontario.
Commitment to SHN’s core values of Inclusion, Compassion, Innovation, and Courageous.
Satisfactory attendance and performance record.
Understanding of and commitment to SHN safety programs and practices, including staff, patient, and environmental safety, and participation in regular in-service education.
Ethical conduct and appreciation of the diversity of the patient, staff, and community population.
Strong work ethic, commitment, professionalism, and reliability.

Nice To Haves

Membership in RPNAO.

Responsibilities

Assess vital signs and conduct initial, follow-up, and symptom assessments.
Provide health teaching to patients and families.
Set up equipment, including priming IV lines.
Initiate, manage, and discontinue peripheral and central venous access devices.
Initiate IV, CVAD, subcutaneous, and intramuscular routes of care as required.
Administer supportive medications, including oral, IV, and subcutaneous pre-medications, and medications for hypercalcemia, hormone injections, and growth factors.
Provide supportive interventions not directly related to systemic treatment, including blood transfusions, hydration, electrolyte correction, and iron transfusions.
Support interventions related to systemic treatment by taking vital signs and assessing patients.
Draw blood from CVADs for laboratory work and collect urine, stool, and wound specimens.
Assist with bone marrow biopsy procedures and provide pre- and post-procedure care, including for procedures such as paracentesis.
Support interprofessional team members in delivering and coordinating clinic care, working closely with RNs to provide optimal care and continuity.
Liaise as required with physicians, nurse practitioners, pharmacists, unit clerks, social workers, registered dietitians, and home and community care coordinators to support coordinated care planning.
Maintain a clean working environment and disinfect patient-care equipment, chairs, stretchers, and rooms after each patient in accordance with IPAC practices.
Participate in systemic therapy and hematology clinical lunch-and-learn sessions and ongoing continuing education.
Complete and maintain the required ONS/ONCC chemotherapy and immunotherapy qualifications within the stated timelines.
Maintain current knowledge of evidence-based practices for patients with cancer and hematological diagnoses.
After obtaining the ONS/ONCC Certificate of Added Qualification, administer eligible regimens as specified, including qualifying low-risk regimens and treatments with predictable, manageable responses.