Registered Nurse - Hematology/Oncology

Summary The Oncology/Hematology Registered Nurse (RN) is a clinical expert who uses advanced specialized knowledge and judgement for delivery of high quality and evidence-based care to oncology patients and their families. Uses a team approach to identify - analyze - and resolve patient care problems with measurable outcomes. Qualifications English Language Proficiency: In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7403(f) – no person shall serve in direct patient care positions unless they are proficient in basic written and spoken English. Graduate of a school of professional nursing approved by the appropriate accrediting agency and accredited by one of the following accrediting bodies at the time the program was completed: The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Individuals attending a master’s level bridge program in nursing who have completed coursework equivalent to a bachelor’s level degree in Nursing may have opportunity to become registered as a nurse with a state licensing board prior to completion of the bridge program. Upon achievement of a state license, the individual may be appointed on a temporary basis and later converted to a permanent appointment upon successful completion and graduation from the bridge program (Reference VA Handbook 5005– Appendix G6). Graduates of foreign schools of professional nursing – possession of a current, full, active and unrestricted registration will meet the requirement for graduation from an approved school of professional nursing to warrant an appointment as a nurse who has completed an associated degree/entry‑level nursing education program. Credit for foreign nursing education higher than an associate degree/entry‑level requires a formal degree equivalency validation from a recognized equivalency evaluation accepted by VA such as International Consultants of Delaware (ICD). Current full, active, unrestricted registration as a graduate professional nurse in a U.S. state, territory or Commonwealth (e.g., Puerto Rico) or the District of Columbia. Graduate Nurse Technician (GNT) Exception: Candidates who otherwise meet the basic education requirements but do not possess the required licensure may be appointed at the entry step of the grade and level applicable to the completed nursing education as a GNT on a 120‑day temporary appointment while actively pursuing licensure (may be extended up to two years on a case‑by‑case basis). NOTE: Grandfathering Provision – all persons currently employed in VHA in 0610 series and performing the duties described in the qualification standard on the effective date of the standard (1/29/2024) are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the grade held, including positive education and licensure/certification. Preferred Qualifications Minimum of 2 years of oncology nursing experience. Minimum of 2 years in the last 5 years of administration of chemotherapy/biotherapy infusions. Documented knowledge of chemotherapy induction and infusion monitoring of patient progress in treatment regimen. Successful nursing practice and experience 5 years or greater. Prior VA experience or history of working with veterans. Preferred certifications: ANCC for oncology nursing, chemotherapy and biotherapy certification. Grade determinations: the following scope‑education and dimension criteria must be met in determining the grade assignment of candidates and, if appropriate, the level within a grade. Dimension requirements (practice – veteran/patient‑driven care – leadership – professional development and evidence‑based practice/research) are detailed for each grade and level within the online assessment: Grade/level scope education and competency requirements for Nurse I, II, III, etc. are detailed in the VA Qualification Standards ( Physical Requirements Visual acuity and keen hearing, clear distinctive speech, and manual dexterity. Capable of potentially long periods of walking, standing, stooping, sitting, bending, pulling, lifting, and pushing. May be required to transfer patients and objects; mechanical inpatient lifts are provided. May be exposed to infected patients and contaminated materials; may need to don protective clothing in isolation situations, operative/invasive procedures, or home settings. May occasionally be exposed to patients who are combative secondary to delirium, dementia, or psychiatric disorders. Must be mature, flexible, sensible, capable of working effectively in stressful situations, and able to shift priorities based on patient needs. Must complete annual Employee Health requirements—e.g., annual TB screening or testing—as a condition of employment. Duties The registered nurse in the chemotherapy clinic will work with veterans who need outpatient oncology management therapy and close monitoring of care. The clinic maintains 16 recliner care seats that can accommodate 28–36 patients per day. Veteran oncology patients are treated with chemotherapy and non‑chemotherapy regimens such as port flushes, blood products, IV fluids, Zometa injections, etc. Major duties include; however not limited to: completes physiological assessments and documentation in the electronic health record (EHR) in accordance with established policies and procedures. Triages patient problems and assists in the evaluation of symptoms; initiates interventions in collaboration with the interdisciplinary team. Monitors, tracks, and reports ongoing care needs and outcomes to the interdisciplinary team. Directs the provision of nursing education, orientation, competencies, and provides quality improvement and outcome utilization. Provides a safe working environment while administering, handling, and disposing of antineoplastic drugs and medical waste. Oversees the administration and management of various medical procedures and treatments in the oncology setting—including vascular access devices and infusion treatments. Conducts in‑service education based on insights gained from oncology professional development activities and acquiring specialized skills in oncology‑specific areas—chemotherapy administration, oncology electronic ordering systems, calculating drug dosages. Manages monitoring requirements for specific drugs—handling immediate infusion reactions and preventing and managing oncology‑related symptoms and adverse events (e.g., chemo‑related symptoms and immune‑related adverse events). Benefits: VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package—VA nurse total rewards pay: competitive salary, regular salary increases, potential for performance awards; paid time off: 50 days of paid time off per year (26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays); retirement: traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401 K with up to 5 % in contributions by VA; insurance: federal health/vision/dental/term life/long‑term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement); licensure: 1 full and unrestricted license from any U.S. state or territory; work schedule: Monday – Friday, 7:30 – 4 pm; telework: available; virtual: this is not a virtual position; relocation/recruitment incentives: not authorized; permanent change of station (PCS): not authorized. #J-18808-Ljbffr