Registered Nurse - Surgical Oncology

Job Description

Job Description

Overview

The 8B Surgical Oncology Unit at VHC Health is a dynamic, fast-paced environment dedicated to providing exceptional care for adult oncology patients. Opened in December 2024, this 24-bed unit represents an exciting and innovative service line where nurses play a key role in shaping the future of surgical oncology care. RNs typically care for 4–5 patients per shift, delivering comprehensive, hands-on care that includes ostomy management, PICC lines, TPN, blood product administration, and complex post-surgical recovery.

Each day begins with bedside shift report to ensure clear communication and an enhanced patient experience, followed by head-to-toe assessments, medication administration in EPIC, and close collaboration with hospitalists, social workers, and Virtual RNs to streamline admissions and discharges. The unit is proud of its recent Commission on Cancer re-designation and its forward-thinking approach, incorporating new technologies and care models such as Virtual RNs and advanced infusion and feeding systems.

What truly sets 8B apart is its strong culture of teamwork and positivity. Nurses are supported through career advancement opportunities including clinical ladder growth, charge and preceptor roles, certification reimbursement, and involvement in unit and hospital-wide committees. This is a unique opportunity to join a collaborative team at the ground level of a growing specialty, where innovation and patient-centered care go hand in hand.

Located in Arlington, Virginia, VHC Health is a 548-bed, independent, not-for-profit health system and nationally recognized teaching hospital. We have proudly served the Washington, DC metropolitan community for more than 75 years. Consistently ranked among the top hospitals in Virginia and the region, VHC Health has earned recognition as a 2025 Forbes Best-In-State Employer and a 2025 Newsweek World’s Best Hospital. We also hold the prestigious Magnet® designation for nursing excellence. As a Level II Trauma Center , we are committed to delivering exceptional, patient-centered care when it matters most.

At VHC Health, you’re more than an employee, you’re part of a team that values collaboration, respect, and growth. You will work alongside highly skilled professionals in a supportive, forward-thinking environment. Your voice is heard, and your contributions make a real impact. With state-of-the-art facilities, expanding specialty services, and strong community partnerships, VHC Health offers the opportunity to build a meaningful, long-term career while making a difference in the lives of patients and the community we serve.

Responsibilities

At VHC Health, every role contributes to exceptional care, better outcomes, and stronger communities.
\nIn addition to your base compensation, VHC Health offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage (subject to eligibility requirements), as well as additional wellness and retirement benefits designed to support our employees and their families.
\nVHC Health is committed to wage transparency and equitable pay practices. The compensation offered for this position—whether expressed as an annual salary or hourly rate—is determined based on a variety of legitimate, non-discriminatory factors. These factors include, but are not limited to, a candidate’s qualifications, relevant training and experience, skill level, shift differentials (where applicable), internal equity, and current market conditions.
\nThe posted hiring range reflects the range VHC Health, in good faith, believes is appropriate for this role at the time of posting. This range may be adjusted in the future based on business needs or market changes. No portion of compensation is considered earned until it is vested and determined in accordance with the terms of applicable policies and benefit plans. The availability and amount of any bonuses, incentives, or other benefits are subject to the terms of those plans and may be modified at the sole discretion of VHC Health, in accordance with applicable law.
\nVHC Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, pregnancy (including childbirth, pregnancy-related conditions and lactation), race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristics protected by law.
\nVHC Health maintains a drug-free workplace. The unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, or use of a controlled substance is prohibited at all VHC Health locations.

Qualifications

Purpose & Scope:

Across all levels, the registered professional nurse is responsible for the direct and indirect total nursing care of their assigned patients. The RN is also responsible for the supervision of assigned personnel. The position requires knowledge of both department and hospital policies and procedures relevant to the delivery of nursing care. Interpretive skills, frequent interactive and consultative associations, along with management and supervisory skills are inherent in the position. The ability to retrieve, communicate or otherwise present information in a written, auditory or visual fashion is essential. The primary method to express or exchange ideas is through the spoken word. Written, telephone, and manual dexterity skills are required for this position.

Education:

Bachelor's in Nursing Required

Experience:

One year of Nursing/Patient Care in an acute care setting is required

Certification/Licensure:

Licensed as a Registered Nurse by the Virginia Department of Health Professions required or,

Compact State Licensure in Nursing required

BLS certification required

Registered Nurses on designated units are required to maintain certain certifications. New to practice area nurses or new graduates have 1 year to complete the specialty requirements below.

ACLS: ED, ICU, CVICU, Cardiac Cath Lab, Cardiopulmonary Rehab, Bronch Suite, Interventional Radiology, Radiology Safety Nurses, Step down Units (3A, 3B, 4B), 6A, 6B, 7A,  Labor and Delivery, Hemodialysis, Respiratory Therapy, Float pool, GI Unit, and PACU

PALS: PACU: Pediatric Nurses, ED

NRP: NICU, Mother Baby, Labor and Delivery

De-escalation training: BHU, ED

 

Per policy ACLS or PALS cards stand as showing competence in BLS Skills per American Heart Association Guidelines. If an employee holds current ACLS or PALS certification, this meets the requirement for BLS in their job description. They do not need to also carry a separate BLS certification.