Radiation Oncology RN contingent

Employment Type

Part time

Shift

Day Shift

Description

Use Standard

GENERAL SUMMARY

The employee in this position provides quality patient care through competent practice and application of the nursing process in an outpatient setting. Accepts accountability for coordination of the nursing care of specific patients with complex medical and nursing needs as directed by the MDs within the department of radiation oncology. Serves a clinical resource to others within the cancer program, and functions in a consultative relationship with health team members.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Performs, communicates, and documents ongoing assessment of individual patients. Correlates patient response with physiologic and other relevant factors.
• Interprets and responds to subtle or obvious changes in patient status and communicates same to MD, NP and /or social worker.
• Investigates and initiates changes to prevent occurrence, recurrence or continuation of unsafe conditions.
• Demonstrates accountability in resolving patient problems thorough interdisciplinary collaboration and implementation of plan of care.
• Collaborates with other health team members to prepare patient/family for implementation of a plan of care.
• Identifies patients in need of psycho-social intervention and involves social worker in evaluation and care plan development.
• Reviews order for home care referrals for accuracy, and documents oversight activities of the care plan.
• Monitors the status of selected patients as directed by the MD re: vital signs and medication tolerance.
• Teaches patients how to self-administer selected medications as prescribed and directed by the MD.
• Teaches patients self-care and behavior changes related to the patient's diagnosed medical condition(s).
• Administers medications as directed by an NP or MD.
• Acts as a resource to less experienced colleagues for nursing practice.
• Formulates the RN//MA schedule on a rotating basis with RN colleagues.
• Models leadership and communication behaviors to enhance the functioning of the health care team.
• Provides evidence of incorporating new learning into nursing practice by attending appropriate conferences, seminars, inservices and reading books, journals and/or other literature.
• Participates on committees and task forces, and reports results of their work to staff meetings.
• Takes leadership responsibility for specific area(s) of clinical practice, e.g. labs, infection control, etc.
• Answers telephone inquiries from patients and family, uses judgement as to emergent and/or non-emergent nature, and resolves the problem.
• Calls patients with test results, and to convey NP and /or MD messages.
• Calls patient prescriptions to area pharmacies.
• Participates in the orientation of new nursing staff, both RNs and MAs.
• Other tasks which may be assigned.
• Maintains good rapport and cooperative relationships. Approaches conflict in a constructive manner. Helps to identify problems, offer solutions, and participate in their resolution.
• Maintains the confidentiality of information acquired pertaining to patient, physicians, employees, and visitors to St. Joseph Mercy Hospital. Discusses patient and hospital information only among appropriate personnel in appropriately private places.
• Behaves in accordance with the Mission, Vision and Values of St. Joseph Mercy Health System.
• Assumes responsibility for performance of job duties in the safest possible manner, to assure personal safety and that of coworkers, and to report all preventable hazards and unsafe practices immediately to management.
• Provides quality patient care by considering the age specific, developmental and cultural needs through competent clinical practice. Demonstrates unit/area competencies.

SUPPLEMENTAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assists with planning and presenting educational experiences for colleagues based on identified department and organization needs.
• Identifies clinical issues for potential research investigations.
• Coordinates departmental involvement with clinical trials as directed by the physician

REQUIRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND LICENSURE

Bachelor's degree in nursing or an Associate's degree in Nursing, applicants with associates degree will need to sign an agreement to complete BSN.

One to two years nursing experience working with older patients not residing in a nursing home.

Current Michigan licensure or temporary license as a Registered Nurse.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES

A knowledge of nursing theory and practice sufficient to give complex nursing care to ambulatory older adults with several chronic diseases.

Interpersonal skills necessary to initiate and maintain collegial relationship with coworkers.

Interpersonal skills necessary to initiate and maintain therapeutic relationships with patients and families.

Good telephone skills and a pleasant voice.

Organizational skills to work in a fast paced environment requiring a high degree of mental and visual effort necessary to react to the changing priorities.

Ability to problem solve, concentrate, and to pay close attention to detail.

Ability to learn and perform procedures.

Formulates the RN/MA schedule on a rotating basis with RN colleagues.

Likes working with the public.

Ability to juggle a number of demands at one time.

Ability to walk and stand continuously and lift and position patients.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Ambulatory patient care environment.

Regular exposure to potentially contagious patient specimens, body fluids, infectious disease, and potentially hazardous chemicals.

Occasional exposure to difficult and unruly patients.

Exposure to a fast paced work environment which includes involvement in a multi-disciplinary team.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

Management supervision is provided by the Outpatient Nurse Manager of Radiation Oncology.

Clinical supervision is provided by physicians for whom the RN is working on a particular day.

Our Commitment

Rooted in our Mission and Core Values, we honor the dignity of every person and recognize the unique perspectives, experiences, and talents each colleague brings. By finding common ground and embracing our differences, we grow stronger together and deliver more compassionate, person-centered care. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.