Oncology Nurse I/II/III - Ob/Gyn (Southeast)

Oncology Nurse

What we do here changes the world. UTHealth Houston is Texas' resource for healthcare education, innovation, scientific discovery, and excellence in patient care. That's where you come in.

The Oncology Nurse working in our Ob/Gyn department functions as a member of collaborative interdisciplinary team providing comprehensive care to patients and families with complex healthcare needs that may be both predictable and unpredictable. Aims to provide care that is safe, effective, patient centered, timely, and efficient, while mixing and administering chemotherapy to patients that have been diagnosed with gynecologic cancer. In this role, the nurse works under the supervision of a supervising provider (physician or nurse manager) to administer chemotherapy and manage the care of patients with cancer. The nurse will follow strict clinical guidelines, monitor patients for side effects, and ensure the safe administration of treatments.

Once you join us you won't want to leave. It's because we reward our team for the excellent service they provide. Our total rewards package includes the benefits you'd expect from a top healthcare organization (benefits, insurance, etc.), plus:

• 100% paid medical premiums for our full-time employees
• Generous time off (holidays, preventative leave day, both vacation and sick time – all of which equates to around 37-38 days per year)
• The longer you stay, the more vacation you'll accrue!
• Longevity Pay (Monthly payments after two years of service)
• Build your future with our awesome retirement/pension plan!

We take care of our employees! As a world-renowned institution, our employees' wellbeing is important to us. We offer work/life services such as...

• Free financial and legal counseling
• Free mental health counseling services
• Gym membership discounts and access to wellness programs
• Other employee discounts including entertainment, car rentals, cell phones, etc.
• Resources for child and elder care
• Plus many more!

Position Location:

UT Physicians Women's Center - Southeast

11914 Astoria Blvd, Houston, 77089

Schedule: Full-Time, Mon-Friday

Position Key Accountabilities:

• Follows strict guidelines as provided by the package insert for mixing, storing, and administering chemotherapy drugs, and other cancer treatments under the direction of the supervising provider, uses protective equipment and follows hazardous material disposal regulations.
• Assesses patients' health before, during and after chemotherapy treatments. Monitors for side effects, complications, and signs of infection. Documents patient responses to treatments. Performs on site and telephone triage using best practice guidelines and documentation to ensure patients receive the appropriate level of care in the right setting at the right time by the right caregiver using the approved equipment and supplies.
• Works closely with the supervising physicians and other healthcare professionals to create and implement treatment plans. Communicates any changes in patient conditions to the medical team. Assists in coordinating supportive care services like nutritional counseling, social services and palliative care.
• Educates patients and their families about chemotherapy, side effects, and self-care at home. Provides emotional support and counseling to patients coping with cancer. Teaches strategies for managing treatment-related symptoms.
• Maintains accurate patient records, including treatment plans, progress and side effects. Follows institutional policies, and USP 797 & 800 safety standards. Respects and maintains privacy and confidentiality per HIPPA guidelines.
• Acts as a patient and healthcare advocate by maintaining a safe environment and promoting quality healthcare services. Adheres to standards of practice for professional nursing. Stays updated on advancements in chemotherapy treatments and oncology nursing best practices. Participates in continuing education, certifications and training programs.
• Communicates effectively with the collaborative team while escalating critical results and issues in an appropriate and timely manner.
• Responsible for compiling daily or monthly quality reports.
• Operates and maintains IV infusion pumps and other chemotherapy delivery systems. Ensures proper sterilization and safety measures are followed.
• Adheres to the standards of practice for professional nursing.
• Acts as a clinical and leadership resource for team members.
• Provides exemplary internal and external customer service.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Certification/Skills:

• Understands medical treatments and patient care, with an emphasis on identifying side effects, complications, and patient safety standards.
• Ability to follow protocols for medication preparation and administration.
• Strong assessment skills and the ability to recognize potential complications.
• Capable of providing support and educating patients and families on treatment plans and potential side effects.
• Ability to use chemotherapy equipment with attention to detail and adheres to safety protocols.
• Willingness to work under supervision and gradually assume greater responsibilities.
• Strong communication skills to collaborate effectively with the healthcare team and promptly escalate critical issues.
• Commitment to staying current on advancements in chemotherapy treatments and oncology nursing.
• Registered Nurse (RN) State Licensure or Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) by Texas Board of Nursing (BON) required
• Basic Life Support (BLS) by American Heart Association (AHA) required
• ONS/ONCC Chemotherapy Immunotherapy Certificate by Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) obtained within 6 months of hire date required
• Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) by American Heart Association (AHA) preferred
• Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN) by Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation (ONCC) preferred

Minimum Education:

Bachelor's Degree in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited school required Graduate of an education program approved by the credentialing body for the required credential(s)

Minimum Experience:

1 year of oncology experience required

Physical Requirements:

Exerts up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 20 pounds frequently and/or up to 10 pounds constantly to move objects.

Security Sensitive:

This position is a security-sensitive position pursuant to Texas Education Code §51.215 and Texas Government Code §411.094. To the extent that a position requires the holder to research, work on, or have access to critical infrastructure as defined in Texas Business and Commerce Code §117.001(2), the ability to maintain the security or integrity of the infrastructure is a minimum qualification to be hired for and to continue to be employed in that position. Personnel in such positions, and similarly situated state contractors, will be routinely reviewed to determine whether things such as criminal history or continuous connections to the government or political apparatus of a foreign adversary might prevent the applicant, employee, or contractor from being able to maintain the security or integrity of the infrastructure. A foreign adversary is a nation listed in 15 C.F.R. §791.4.

Residency Requirement:

Employees must permanently reside and work in the State of Texas.