Nurse Resident

Tennessee Oncology Nurse Transition Program

Tennessee Oncology, one of the nation's largest, community-based cancer care specialists, is home to one of the leading clinical trial networks in the country. Established in 1976 in Nashville, Tennessee Oncology's mission remains unchanged: To provide access to high-quality cancer care and the expertise of clinical research for all patients, at convenient locations within their community and close to their home. Our growing network of physicians and locations is based on this mission. Tennessee Oncology is committed to advancing both the science of detection and targeted treatments, and to making these advances available to every patient. We believe caring for cancer patients is a privilege.

Why Join Us? We are looking for talented and highly-motivated individuals who demonstrate a natural desire to support the meaningful work of community oncologists and the patients we serve.

Tennessee Oncology's transition to practice program is a year-long program to assist new graduate registered nurses in their transition to independent, oncology practice. The program is a series of learning and hands-on work experiences designed to provide foundational oncology knowledge for the new graduate. The program includes modules such as assessment skill building, critical thinking application exercises, leadership and conflict training, and oncology concepts.

Provides patients with safe, professional, and quality nursing care throughout their diagnosis and treatment. Coordinates the delivery of oncology and hematology treatments to assigned patients, ensuring adherence to clinical policies, procedures, standards, and practices.

Essential Functions:

• Coordinates and performs direct patient care, collaborating with other care providers and team members
• Reviews/updates/verifies all patient required data is present and available prior to and during each visit
• Collaborates with physician/provider to assess/treat symptoms related to disease, treatment, disease progression as well as acute illnesses
• Starts peripheral IVs, manages central venous access devices including accessing and de-accessing implanted ports
• Administers chemotherapy and other drugs according to Tennessee Oncology (TO) standards after training and competency validation
• Administers and documents administration of chemo/bio/targeted therapy and or research study drugs (if applicable to clinic location) according to TO practice standards
• Follows all policies, procedures, standards related to use of drug cabinet including drug verification, drug administration, documentation and billing
• Documents charges for services performed and medications administered
• Ensures timely collection of all ordered laboratory specimens
• Monitors PT/INR results and works with provider to manage anticoagulation/Coumadin therapy
• Manages prescription / refill extension requests per TO policy, procedure, standards
• Assists with provider performed procedures (i.e. bone marrow biopsies and skin punch biopsies)
• Coordinates provision of supportive care with appropriate hospital staff (i.e. blood product transfusions)
• Conducts patient education and documents patient readiness to learn and understanding of teaching and or information provided during informed consent process
• Completes forms and other necessary paperwork for patient assistance, patient employment, insurance (i.e. FMLA, short- and long-term disability, etc.)
• Screens patients routinely for needs and or distress and provides appropriate counseling, interventions, and makes referrals to appropriate community/support services
• Uses an empathetic and caring approach with patients at all times
• Demonstrates ability to effectively navigate within the Electronic Medical Record (EMR)
• Documents patient information and services performed in the EMR
• Completes required daily/weekly/monthly drug/sample drug inventory counts, supply requests, waste documentation, audits, billing entries, etc.
• Informs Clinic/Operations Manager of clinic needs and concerns relating to the work environment
• Supervises LPNs, CNAs and MAs
• Stocks & manages inventory and supplies
• Adheres to practice standards and Policy and Procedures
• Travels to other TO clinics or sites as needed
• Assumes responsibility for personal and professional growth
• Completes, on time, required /assigned training, continuing education, and/or competency validations necessary to accurately & successfully perform job expectations /responsibilities
• Collaborates daily with dedicated clinic SCRI nurses, if applicable to location, to ensure adherence to research protocol as well as documentation of Sarah Cannon Research Institute (SCRI) specific paperwork required in paper chart per protocol
• Active participation in and successful completion of the 12-month program