Registered Nurse, Oncology, RN - Hematology/Oncology Clinic - Stoneham

It takes a lot of very smart, hard-working and talented people to provide the level of care that we give to our patients. Tufts Medical Center is an internationally respected academic medical center and we pride ourselves not only on the sophistication of the care we deliver, but the compassionate way in which we provide it. And that starts with our employees.

This is a 40 hour per week Monday-Friday, 9-5 position.

The Registered Nurse knows and understands the philosophy, objectives, policies and procedures of the Oncology Clinic and provides for their implementation. The Oncology Registered Nurse will demonstrate the ability to provide care relevant to the Oncology patient population in accordance with Nursing Policies, procedures and standards. Maintains sensitivity, maturity and flexibility in coping with difficult situations. Must be able to work with all levels of staff. Direct contact with hospital departments, physicians, vendors, patients and the community.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Interviews and collects pertinent objective and subjective data in a timely, ongoing, systematic and culturally competent manner.
• Utilizes basic principles of physical assessment.
• Collects data pertaining to the potential problem areas for specific diagnosis and treatments.
• Assesses patient/family knowledge of the diagnosis, treatment, potential side effects and their management.
• Assesses patient home care needs.
• Determines actual/potential problem areas that are individualized and appropriate to the physical, psychosocial and cultural needs of the patient.
• Organizes daily work, sets priorities and makes decisions concerning care to meet the needs of individuals and groups of patients.
• Organizes daily work, sets priorities and makes decisions concerning care to meet the needs of individuals and groups of patients.
• Recognizes that patient and family teaching are an integral part of professional nursing and carries out this routinely and with appropriate documentation.
• Orients patient to the environment.
• Provides for patients’ general comfort, personal hygiene and safety.
• Administers treatments according to hospital policies and procedures in a cost effective manner.
• Clinical and psychological intervention are appropriate with respect to the age and developmental stage.
• Acts rapidly and effectively, according to hospital policy and procedure in any emergency situation.
• Collaborates with Nurse Director and/or nursing team member to create a plan for the delivery of nursing care.
• Utilizes concepts of preventative maintenance, proper use and cost containment for any equipment used on the nursing unit.
• Provides patient and family teaching consistent with cultural and educational background and emotional status related to disease, treatments and side effect management.
• Assists patient and families with communication of feelings about living with cancer, identifying coping strategies and identifying coping resources.
• Delivers care in a nonjudgmental and nondiscriminatory manner that is sensitive to client cultural diversity and patient rights.
• Considers factors related to effectiveness and cost when planning side effect interventions.
• Assists the patient and family in identifying and securing appropriate services and financial resources for health-related needs.
• Administers chemotherapy safely.
• Administers blood/blood components safely.
• Applies principles and procedures of I.V. Therapy.
• Performs therapeutic phlebotomy.
• Practices principles of infection control.
• Understands and demonstrates current OSHA Standards.
• Supports the nutritional needs of the patient.
• Collects specimens appropriately.
• Utilizes principles of prevention and safety and attends related in-service programs.
• Plans nursing care which includes concern for body image, changes, psychosocial and educational needs of patient and family.
• Demonstrates understanding of Code, Fire and Disaster plans.
• Participates in the accrual and management of patients on clinical trials.
• Performs inventory for medical/surgical supplies and medications which may be needed.
• Provides complete and timely referrals for home care and hospice services as appropriate.
• Reads email, communication book and interdepartmental memos.
• Assures privacy and confidentiality of patients and staff are maintained.
• Demonstrates effectiveness, clarity and conciseness in written and verbal communications.
• Documents patient care according to policy.
• Listens attentively to patients, families and other members of the health care team.
• Adjusts communication styles as necessary for patient age and culture, as well as with members of the health care team.
• Communicates nursing care needs to other team members to provide for continuity of care.
• Evaluates the effectiveness of nursing interventions.
• Participates in quality improvement activities in the Oncology Clinic.

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS:

• Reports to the System Director

JOB KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

• Good communications skills, both oral and written.
• Motivated and self starter.
• Team focused and cooperation.
• Good interpersonal and organizational skills. Ability to work with detailed, confidential material, computer experience required.
• Maintains awareness of PI program.
• Supports improvements in procedure, policy and practice.
• Maintains a professional relationship with patient/family, nursing personnel, health team members and ancillary services.
• Reports for work on time and gives adequate notice of absenteeism or tardiness.
• Undertakes additional tasks when his/her assignment is completed. Demonstrates initiative and resourcefulness.
• Accept constructive feedback regarding own nursing judgments and actions and strives to make improvements.
• Adheres to policies and procedures established for meals, breaks, dress codes and parking.
• Participates in ongoing educational activities to expand Oncology knowledge, enhance role performance and increase knowledge of professional issues.
• Maintains current knowledge of political, cultural, spiritual, social, health care reimbursement and ethical issues related to Oncology care.
• Contributes to the professional development of peers, colleagues and others during practice.
• Identifies ethical issues pertaining to Oncology care and addresses them with patients and families in an appropriate manner.
• Attends educational programs provided by Hallmark Health.
• Participates in patient care conferences and unit meetings.
• Assists Staff Development in orienting new employees.
• Communicates appropriate information to patients and their families.
• Offers or accepts assistance from team members as appropriate.
• Adjusts positively to changes in the work environment.
• When assuming charge responsibilities, demonstrates sound clinical judgment reflective of current principles of nursing process.
• Exhibits appropriate degree of confidence in self.
• Is a positive role model to others through knowledge, professional attitude and interest.
• Participates in unit problem solving or projects and shares outcome with others.
• Promotes open communication and ensures confidentiality.
• Implements physicians’ orders accurately and in a timely manner.
• Is flexible and receptive to change.
• Offers suggestions to improve policies and procedures regarding the overall management of patient care.
• Identifies conflict and initiates a plan for resolution.
• Is aware of patient acuity in treatment room, works together with other nurse in treatment room to share patients fairly.
• Directs and supervises care given by other licensed staff, nursing assistants and unit secretaries according to individual ability and hospital policy.
• Assesses patient on the unit and on an ongoing basis and keeps informed of patient care activities.
• Keeps immediate supervisor appraised of changing patient and unit status.
• Utilizes appropriate line of authority when administrative input is necessary to make decision

EDUCATION:

• Graduate of an accredited school of nursing.
• Registration and current RN license required.
• CPR certification needed.
• BLS certification required.
• Oncology certification preferred.

EXPERIENCE:

• 1-2 years of medical/surgical or oncology experience highly preferred.

LICENSES, ETC.:

• Current Massachusetts Registered Nurse License

AGE SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES
Has the skills and knowledge to provide care to the age groups of the population served including:

• Knowledge of growth and development
• Ability to interpret age specific data and response to care
• Provide age appropriate communication

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Physical Environment:

• Lifting and turning patients of 30-35 lbs. Prolonged standing and walking. Occasional twisting, bending, reaching, pushing/pulling, sitting, kneeling, and squatting. Exposure to infectious disease and possible carcinogenic chemicals. Exposure of blood-bourne pathogens.

Manual Dexterity:

• Requires manual dexterity using fine hand manipulations for performing procedures and computer keyboard.

Audible/Visual Demands:

• Requires ability to see computer screen, reports, and perform assistance in procedures with accuracy. Requires ability to hear instructions from physician staff.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES STATEMENT:

Must be able to perform all essential functions of this position with reasonable accommodation if disabled.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed, as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. Tufts Medical Center reserves the right to modify position duties at any time, to reflect process improvements and business necessity.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.