Oncology Infusion Nurse

Nexus Health Cancer Center is looking for an exceptional Registered Nurse (RN) to join the team at their Infusion team at their Santa, Fe NM location. This position provides infusion therapy for our oncology patients in a fast paced, team environment. Ideal candidate will utilize their critical thinking and focus on caring for our patients receiving infusion therapies. IV skills are crucial for success in this role and having prior oncology experience is a plus. This individual must also possess strong multi-tasking abilities and bring positivity and passion to their work. If you want to join a team that is on the cutting edge of cancer care, while always putting the patient first, we want to hear from you! While some experience is preferred, we are very open to new grads looking to explore oncology care.

Overview

Under general supervision, provides professional nursing care for patients adhering to national and company standards and guidelines for specialty regulations. Demonstrates knowledge of physiological, psychological, and developmental and age specific differences in the patient population including late adolescence, adulthood, middle age, and the elderly. Collaborates with the interdisciplinary team to provide for assessment and therapeutic management of patient/family needs. Supports and adheres to the US Oncology Compliance Program, to include the Code of Ethics and Business Standards.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Administers chemotherapy, hydration and other medications under the direction and supervision of a physician.
• Assists physician with exams and procedures.
• Maintains efficient and appropriate patient flow in and out of exam rooms.
• Assesses patients for changes in condition, including but not limited to abnormal labs, x-rays, scans, drug reactions and initiates appropriate action.
• Completes all chemotherapy charge forms. Assures pre-authorization and appropriate consent forms are obtained prior to administration of therapies.
• Demonstrates knowledge of ambulatory infusion pump use and maintenance, cleaning pumps after use, and proper documentation of pump usage.
• Facilitates dose modification by assessing patient, assessing labs, consulting protocol or treatment plan, calculating dose, and consulting regarding dosage modifications, problems, and symptom management.
• Performs venipuncture, accesses implanted ports and maintains central lines catheter devices.
• Administers all medications/blood products using correct medication/blood product, dosage/amount, route, time and technique.
• Displays appropriate technical skills for the administration of chemotherapy, medications and blood products, to include, but not limited to: venipuncture, central line access and infusion devices.
• Programs portable infusion pumps for continuous drug delivery and provides instruction to the patient and/or caregiver in the use of the pump at home.
• Documents nursing assessments, patient teaching and fluid and medication administration in the patient chart.
• Communicates all pertinent information and any interventions to the physician.
• Assures nursing charges are accurate and complete on patient fee slips.
• Acts as a resource person to the medical assistants.
• Triages patient phone calls as needed and documents relevant information in the patients chart.
• Assesses patient/family needs and provides teaching and other instructional material.
• Demonstrates awareness of community resources available to patients and assists with referrals if necessary.
• Manages patient medication refill requests from the pharmacy telephone line and records the information in the patient chart.
• Provides nursing coverage for the satellite offices as needed.
• Follows OSHA guidelines when handling cytotoxic agents, biohazardous waste and any other material potentially infected with a blood borne pathogen.
• Maintains patient confidentiality at all times.
  
  

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Associates in Nursing degree from an accredited program for professional nursing education; BSN strongly preferred
• Able to onboard new RNs but three (3) years nursing experience preferred
• Current RN state license with the New Mexico State Board of Nursing; Current OCN certification preferred
• Current CPR/BLS certification
• Must maintain continuing education requirements

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Requires full range of body motion including handling and lifting patients, manual and finger dexterity, and eye-hand coordination. Requires standing and walking for extensive periods of time. Occasionally lifts and carries items weighing up to 40 lbs. Requires corrected vision and hearing to normal range.

Work Enviornment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to direct contact with patients with potential for exposure to blood, toxic substances, ionizing radiation and other conditions common to a clinic environment.