APP, Radiation Oncology

Advanced Practice Provider

Tennessee Oncology, one of the nation's largest, community-based cancer care specialists, is home to one of the leading clinical trial networks in the country. Established in 1976 in Nashville, Tennessee Oncology's mission remains unchanged: To provide access to high-quality cancer care and the expertise of clinical research for all patients, at convenient locations within their community and close to their home. Our growing network of physicians and locations is based on this mission. Tennessee Oncology is committed to advancing both the science of detection and targeted treatments, and to making these advances available to every patient. We believe caring for cancer patients is a privilege.

APP provides care in the radiation oncology setting served by Tennessee Oncology. APP provides quality care to specific populations in cancer prevention, screening, diagnosis, active treatment, and palliative care with the multidisciplinary healthcare team. The APP role includes the assessment, diagnosis, and management of cancer or related disorders. The APP uses evidence-based literature and works toward evidence-based practice to effect a positive change in the health and healthcare delivered to the patient with a past, current, or potential diagnosis of cancer.

Essential Functions

I) Clinical

• Assesses the physical and psychosocial status of patients.
• Obtains and documents comprehensive health history.
• Performs and documents complete, system-focused, symptom-specific physical exams.
• Assesses for symptoms commonly seen in patients with cancer, impact of physical comorbidities on cancer symptoms and response to treatment, signs and symptoms of disease progression or recurrence, actual or potential late effects of cancer and its treatment in cancer survivors.
• Conducts a pharmacologic assessment, including prescriptions drugs, over-the-counter medications, nutritional supplements, and other complementary or alternative therapies.
• Recognizes deviations from normal in the physical assessment.
• Orders and interprets findings of ancillary data, including laboratory and diagnostic tests.
• Prioritizes findings identify urgent or highest priority patient problems.
• Relays appropriate information regarding patient care to the collaborating physician.
• Communicates plan of care to patient, caregiver, and other members of the health care team.
• Writes prescriptions for medication, blood products based of laboratory results, routine diagnostic and follow-up studies, therapeutic measures, and post-discharge care in accordance with written practice protocols.
• Administers therapeutic measures and obtains specimens in accordance with practice guidelines.
• Provides management for symptoms of cancer and side effects related to cancer treatment.
• Refers or requests consultation from physicians and other health care professionals.
• Assists in the management related family dynamics and coping mechanisms during acute and chronic phases of patient care.
• Serves as resource to other members of the health care team regarding provision of quality care.
• Evaluates the quality of care provided and recommends changes for improvement.
• Take call as required by clinic need.

II) Teaching

• Educates patient and family on treatment plan proposed.
• Utilizes a variety of age and cultural appropriate teaching methods such as diagrams, handouts, booklets.
• Educates cancer survivors regarding their risk of long-term effects of cancer and its treatment.
• Provides formal and informal education to staff in oncology care.
• Precepts orientation of new APPs to Tennessee Oncology.
• Participates in the development of educational materials for patients and healthcare providers.
• Presents updates in cancer care and specialty specific information to professionals at the local, regional, and national levels.
• Recognizes the value of providing oncology education and support to the lay community by participating in community discussions, support groups, and informal consultation.

III) Communication

• Reports patient information in an accurate, timely manner.
• Edits documentation.
• Works effectively with others and utilizes the chain of command.
• Collaborates with other health disciplines to ensure continuity and quality of care.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Current knowledge of oncology and primary care.
• Ability to work independently.
• Knowledge of the Advanced Practice Practitioner as outlined in the Tennessee Oncology Policy and Procedure Manual.

Education & Experience

• License to practice as RN or PA in the state of Tennessee required.
• Master's degree in nursing or certification as a Physician Assistant required.
• National certification as NP (American Nurses' Credentialing Center or American Academy of Nurse Practitioners) or Clinical Nurse Specialist who meets criteria for certificate of fitness to prescribe medications, including AOCN, AOCNP and AOCN.

Physical Requirements

Physical Activity Required

Amount of time

None

Less than 1/3 (Occasionally)

1/3 to 2/3 (Frequently)

More than 2/3 (Regularly)

Standing

X

Walking

X

Sitting

X

Fingering or manual dexterity

X

Repetitive finger motion

X

Lifting or exerting force

Up to 10 pounds

Up to 25 pounds

Up to 50 pounds

X

Up to 100 pounds

Over 100 pounds

Reaching or stretching

X

Climbing or balancing

X

Crouching or stooping

X

Speaking

X

Hearing

X

Seeing (with correction)

X