Oncology Nurse Practitioner

Job Description

Under the direction of a physician, plans, assesses, implements and evaluates total nursing care to a specific patient group. Orders, performs, and interprets laboratory and diagnostic testing. Performs therapeutic treatment and gives patient care directions to nursing and other staff. May prescribe medication, provide emergency care, and make patient referrals to appropriate licensed physician. Requires Nurse Practitioner certification.

Principal Duties:

• Perform daily rounds of patients on inpatient and ambulatory service. Evaluates patients new to Service and writes consults. Follow patients for continued provision of care by Service; communicates with the managing physician daily to co-develop care plan and consultation recommendations.
• Delivery of healthcare to cancer patients
• Provides level of care and intervention consistent with the highest quality. Facilitates optimal length of stay and arranges for discharge and follow up care.
• Writes orders on any patient in assigned area:
• Order PT and OT evaluations in order to process short term rehab assessments.
• Appropriate medications for cough, constipation, nausea/vomiting, and headache.
• Assess surgical sites, drains, ensuring the proper capture of outputs (I/Os)
• Order and follow up on Laboratory tests and x-rays.
• Complete appropriate order sets.
• Rounds on designated patients and ensures patients meet criteria for monitoring; may consult with the ordering physician to discontinue when necessary.
• Assists in the management of patients at the request of the physician, refers pertinent issues to the appropriate healthcare professional.
• Manages patients in the cancer center, assists in clinics with oncology providers.
• Documents in patients' charts as needed. Meets regularly with the appropriate staff to:
• Solve unresolved patient issues.
• Facilitate admission, transfers, and discharges.
• Increase patient compliance.
• Avoid insurance denials.
• Reduce delays in service.
• Collaborates with other members of the healthcare team in planning, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating comprehensive healthcare for oncology patients and their families.
• Participates in planning, development, and presentation of special projects.
• Plans, provides, and coordinates patient/family and staff education for those involved in the care of cardiac patients.
• Assists with implementing research findings and monitoring the impact on patient care outcomes.
• Participates in performance improvement initiatives and quality monitoring.
• Active in cancer events, cancer committee, role model for other staff members to stay engaged in the cancer center mission.
• Serves as a role model by demonstrating expertise and comprehensive knowledge in the delivery of healthcare to cardiac patients and their families, to nurses and other healthcare providers.
• Serves as a liaison between the physician and other members of the healthcare team to develop comprehensive care plans for oncology patients.
• Provides level of care and intervention consistent with the highest quality and appropriate length of stay; facilitates discharge and follow up care. Demonstrates the ability to prioritize and provide direction when workloads change during a crisis.
• Demonstrates knowledge and skills to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients treated.
• Communicates information consistently and constructively. Provides sufficient background information, as appropriate, to ensure understanding; selects appropriate channel and timing for communications.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Customer Service:

• Greets customers in courteous, friendly, respectful and professional manner at all times, including maintaining eye contact when appropriate.
• Follows communication protocols to both internal and external customers, including introducing him/herself with job title and experience, asking open ended questions, such as "How may I be of help to you?" using the customer's name as soon as it is learned.
• Responds promptly and appropriately to customer questions/concerns/complaints and attempts immediate resolution.
• Keeps customer's information confidential, including public places such as elevators or the cafeteria.
• Provides assistance and offers help immediately, including finding someone else to meet the request, if unable to do so him/herself. Introduce other staff to customers when a hand-off occurs and explain that the person will provide excellent service.
• Demonstrates commitment to excellent service recovery when a customer's expectations have not been met.

Commitment to Co-Workers:

• Offers assistance to colleagues and other departments when needed.
• Takes responsibility for solving problems regardless of origin; completes assignments, and respects deadlines.
• Resolves conflict directly with colleagues and seeks assistance from others if the issue cannot be resolved. Refrains from criticism in public.
• Mindful and respectful of others' time and schedules. Attends meetings on time and communicates any absences.
• Provides co-workers with a status report for continuity of workflow when planning to be out of the office, off the unit, or away from the department

Communication Etiquette:

• Respectful, courteous and professional in all forms of communication and follows facility's service communication protocol in all interactions.
• Refrains from use of personal cell phone in patient care areas and keeps usage to a minimum at all other times while on duty.
• Does not text or use e-mail during meetings (except for exigent or emergency situations).
• Limits use of business cell phone during meetings (remain on vibrate and/or calls go to voicemail).
• Makes every effort to answer telephone calls within three rings, introducing him/herself, department and title (if appropriate). Asks permission before placing the caller on hold or using the speakerphone. If caller is transferred, gives the caller the extension number of the person he or she is being transferred to. Offers further assistance to the caller upon completing the conversation.
• Maintains an appropriate voicemail message and when away from the office has an out-of-office email message that is brief, current, and includes name and department and offers the caller options if possible.
• Returns email and voicemail messages promptly but no later than within one business day (24 hours).
• Always mindful of voice and language in public.

Self Management:

• Reports to work appropriately groomed and in compliance with the Hospital's dress code. Wears identification badge at all times at chest level and facing outwards so identification is clearly visible.
• Complete all assignments within deadlines or negotiates alternative actions and time frames in order to achieve desired outcomes.
• Completes mandatory, annual education and competency requirements.
• Follows UMCAP safety, infection control and employee health standards.
• Demonstrates responsibility for personal growth, development and professional knowledge and competency.
• Adhere to all UMCAP and department policies and procedures, including Code of Conduct and professional behavior standards. Does not exceed Hospital guidelines in reference to attendance, punctuality, and use of sick and unplanned absences. Provides notification of absences, lateness and vacation requests according to department guidelines. Respects length of time for lunch and break times.
• Reviews, signs, and adheres to UMCAP and/or departmental confidentiality statement.

Qualifications

Position Requirements:

Licensure/Certification/Registration:

Required: Current Maryland license in good standing as a Nurse Practitioner.

Life Support Certification:

• Basic Life Support – Health Care Provider (BLS-HCP)
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)

Education/Knowledge:

Attained Level: Advanced Professional

Completed Course Work/Program: Completion of a graduate level Accredited Nurse Practitioner Program, Bachelor's Degree in Nursing

Applicable Experience:

Experience (years): Required: 3 - 5

Experience (describe required & preferred): Must have diagnostic, therapeutic and procedural competency in the appropriate area. Must demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served. Preferred 3-5 years Oncology experience

Technical/Clinical Skills:

Microsoft Office Suite Skill Level

Word: Basic

Working knowledge of ICD-9 (Medical Coding)

Basic knowledge and working experience with Medical Terminology