Provides primary nursing support for Oncology and secondary support for Internal Medicine.
Purpose: (One sentence summary of the job function.)Provides primary nursing support for Oncology and secondary support for Internal Medicine. Administers or assists with administration of chemotherapeutic agents following established protocols or physician´s orders. Is responsible for providing nursing advice for Oncology patients with medical problems. This position also has compliance accountability and/or responsibility for Kaiser Permanente’s policies and procedures, the Principles of Responsibility, accreditation standards (if applicable), and applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations, as well as, proper use of Kaiser Permanente Personal Computer (PC) and applications. Accountabilities: (List of 4 - 6 primary responsibilities, not activities, in their order of importance)1. Prepares patients for appointments with providers or for chemotherapy by screening to determine nature of the visit, obtaining and recording pertinent physical assessment data, and explaining procedures to patients.2. Assists providers with examinations by providing instruction to patients regarding preparation for laboratory and x-ray diagnostic procedures. May perform diagnostic labs prior to chemotherapy(such as urine dipstick evaluation).3. Assists providers with minor surgery and special procedures (e.g. bone narrow aspiration). Sets up treatment rooms ensuring that adequate supplies are on hand and those proper instruments are available. Cleans and sterilizes instruments and cleans treatment rooms as required.4. Acts as a counselor for patient and family. Is responsible for providing medical advice and education on all facets of Oncology. Is a liaison between the primary care physician and the patient. May also work in conjunction with the Psychiatric Social Worker or Psychiatrist to provide the patient with a mental health component of care.5. Mixes and administers chemotherapeutic agents under the direction of a physician, or according to prescribed protocols. Is knowledgeable of the actions of the chemotherapeutic agents, of the interactions with the body´s systems, and of the nursing interventions necessary to counteract or minimize reactions.6. Follows established Oncology protocols to maintain a clean and safe working environment. Safeguards self and others against the hazards of toxic drugs. Disposes of bio-hazardous waste according to approved protocol. Abides by federal, state and/or local standards regarding drug accountability.7. Inserts I.V. catheters and administers I.V. fluids for the purpose of hydration or medication therapy under a physician´s direction or medication protocol. Monitors patients during and after periods of instillation.8. Completes various forms (e.g. lab forms, consultation forms, etc.) as required. Maintains accurate records making appropriate entries in patient chart for specific medications utilizing the chemotherapy flow sheet. Documents treatments or observations as needed. Is responsible, in conjunction with the physician, for documenting information for investigational protocols and ensures that all appropriate investigational drug materials is understood by the patient. Maintains vital information for the Tumor Board Registry.9. Relays massages between providers and patients as directed. Collects information and data required by providers such as laboratory and x-ray results, consultation reports, etc. Communicates with consultants regarding laboratory studies and patient care. Arranges for follow-up care as needed or directed: (e.g. blood transfusion).10. As the Oncology schedule allows, nay provide other patient education as directed by physicians to include instructions regarding diabetes and hypertension.11. Participates in staff meetings and attends in-service programs. Maintains and updates knowledge by attending continuing education programs on Oncology. Provides education for staff members.12. Is familiar with health plan benefits and community resources. Communicates with the Discharge Planning Nurse to investigate additional resources.13. As tine permits, may make home visits in an effort to provide comprehensive and continuous care.14. Performs other related duties as directed. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS INCLUDING LICENSURE, CERTIFICATION, OR REGISTRATION-RN License in jurisdiction to which assigned- BSN preferred- At least 2 years of current Oncology experience with at least one year being in an out-patient setting