Registered Nurse

Provides patients with safe, quality care throughout their treatment and disease process as effectively as possible at all stages of diagnosis to end of life. Helps patients manage and live with diagnosis, retaining autonomy and independence by using the most appropriate disease, symptom, and psychosocial management techniques. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Coordinates and performs direct patient care, collaborating with other care providers and team members. Reviews, updates, and verifies all patient‑required data is present and available prior to and during each visit. Collaborates with physicians/providers to assess and treat symptoms related to disease, treatment, disease progression and acute illnesses. Performs telephone triage using critical assessment skills to assess and evaluate patient concerns and needs. Starts peripheral IVs and manages central venous access devices, including accessing and deaccessing implanted ports. Mixes and administers chemotherapy and other drugs according to Tennessee Oncology standards after training and competency validation. Administers and documents administration of chemo/bio/targeted therapy and research study drugs (if applicable) according to practice standards. Follows all policies, procedures, and standards related to use of the drug cabinet, including verification, 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/re‑fill extension requests per policy, procedure, and standards. Assists with provider‑performed procedures such as bone marrow biopsies and skin punch biopsies. Coordinates provision of supportive care with appropriate hospital staff (e.g., blood product transfusions). Conducts patient education and documents patient readiness to learn and understanding of teaching and informed consent process. Completes forms and paperwork for patient assistance, employment, insurance, FMLA, disability, and other needs. Screen patients routinely for needs and distress, provides counseling, interventions, and makes referrals to appropriate community/support services. Uses an empathetic and caring approach with patients at all times. Documents patient information and services performed in the electronic medical record. Completes required daily, weekly, and monthly drug and sample drug inventory counts, supply requests, waste documentation, audits, and billing entries. Informs clinic manager of clinic needs and concerns relating to the work environment. Supervises LPNs, CNAs, and MAs. Stocks and manages inventory and supplies. Generates and reviews daily clinical reports for completion and accuracy. Adheres to practice standards and policies and procedures. Travels to other Tennessee Oncology clinics as needed. Participates in committees and focus groups as requested. Assumes responsibility for personal and professional growth and completes required training, continuing education, and competency validations. Collaborates daily with dedicated clinic SCRI nurses, if applicable, to ensure adherence to research protocols and documentation of SCRI specific paperwork required in paper charts per protocol. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES Knowledge of nursing principles and practices. Knowledge of oncology practices and treatments. Knowledge of current developments in cancer diagnosis and therapy. Knowledge of research practices for phases I, II, and III clinical trials. Act as oncology resource to colleagues, allied health personnel, and healthcare consumers. Ability to administer chemotherapy and other treatment therapies. Ability to empathize with patients and families and deal with grief and challenging interactions. Ability to collaborate with healthcare team to create personalized treatment plans for each cancer patient. Ability to cope with death and dying. EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE Current Tennessee or compact state RN license. Minimum one‑year RN experience. May waive with Executive Director of Nursing approval. Current ONC Chemotherapy/Biotherapy card required within six months of hire. If less than one year of oncology experience at time of hire, card required within nine months of hire. Current Tennessee Oncology approved BLS provider card. Oncology certification strongly recommended within two years of hire. Experience in an outpatient facility preferred. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS Willing and able to lift up to 50 pounds. Ability to remain upright on feet most of the time. Must be able to remain in a stationary position less than one‑third of the time. Ability to communicate effectively, distinguish sounds, and visualize. Regular manual dexterity required. #J-18808-Ljbffr Astera Cancer Care