RN Infusion Services

Description

Job Summary: A registered professional nurse employed by Erlanger Health System is responsible for the practice of nursing according to the rules and regulations defined by the state's Nurse Practice Act, Erlanger's Models of Care/Practice, policies and procedures. The nurse is responsible for the delivery of patient care as assigned and for the supervision of other qualified staff to whom the nurse has delegated patient care in the exercise of his/her independent judgement. The nurse addresses physical, spiritual, emotional, and educational needs of the patient and coordinates the plan of care with other healthcare professionals. The nurse is responsible for participation in and completion of all patient safety initiatives appropriate to the position. In addition, the nurse conducts all job responsibilities according to the Mission, Vision, and Values of Erlanger Health System.

Education:

Required: Graduate of an accredited School of Nursing. De-escalation training, if applicable.

Preferred: Bachelors of Science in Nursing (BSN)

Experience:

Required: None

Preferred: Prior experience in the delivery of patient care in a similar care setting.

Position Requirement(s): License/Certification/Registration

Required: Current licensure privileges to practice nursing in the state of Tennessee. BLS completed prior to going to unit/department and maintained ongoing thereafter. Certificate in Fundamentals of Chemotherapy Immunotherapy Administration within 9 months of completing unit orientation. See unit requirements for additional certifications required.

Preferred: Certification in Oncology Nursing (OCN) or other nationally recognized certification in area of practice. ACLS

Nursing Position Summary:

The professional nurse provides safe and effective patient care by using evidenced based best practices. The professional out-patient oncology nurse at Erlanger:

• Is responsible for the administration of chemotherapy, immuno-therapies, biologics, antibiotics, IV fluids, blood products, medications administered by mouth, subcutaneous and intra-muscular injections.
• Is responsible for gaining knowledge of new drugs for the treatment of diseases being treated in the out-patient setting.
• Educates his/her patient on the drug regimen and its side-effects and the available resources to help manage side effects, social and financial issues.
• Maintains his/her licensure for nursing, certificate for chemotherapy administration, and BLS for healthcare providers.
• Effectively communicates with other members of the healthcare team.
• Maintains a safe therapeutic environment by understanding and complying with hospital policies/procedures, and identifying and communicating risks that have potential impact to patient safety.
• Performs and documents comprehensive and holistic assessments while interpreting and responding to abnormal diagnostic data.
• Anticipates potential emergency situations and intervenes safely and appropriately with assistance if needed.
• Develops a relationship with patient/family that facilitates mutual involvement in the planning of care.
• Demonstrates basic critical thinking skills.
• Documents in a concise, accurate, and complete manner reflecting adherence to hospital, regulatory and legal requirements.
• Completes population-specific mandatory education competencies as defined by the unit specific scope of service.
• Provides culturally competent care to patients and families.
• Demonstrates awareness of evidence based practice.
• Utilizes appropriate time management and meets the expectations for punctuality and attendance.
• Demonstrates flexibility in scheduling to support the staffing needs of patient care areas.
• Communicates effectively with patients, family members, and all members of the interdisciplinary team, seeking assistance for conflict resolution as needed.
• Identifies and communicates changes in patient conditions that may impact safe patient care.
• Contributes to a healthy work environment by exhibiting professional behaviors and seeking assistance in addressing interpersonal conflicts.
• Takes responsibility for meeting education and mandatory programs by completing hospital and unit-based competencies.
• Demonstrates knowledge of and contributes positively to unit based performance improvement outcomes.

Reports directly to the Infusion Staff Leader and the Oncology Nurse Director.

Department Summary:

The individual must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to his or her age-specific needs and to provide the care needed as described in the unit's policies and procedures. This is done through evaluation of direct supervisor by direct observation, in a skills lab, or discussed verbally or written. Competency can also be evaluated by a formal peer review process and/or by self-assessment based on objective criteria that is reviewed and validated.