Permanent Hematology/Oncology Registered Nurse

The Oncology/Hematology Registered Nurse is responsible and accountable for all elements of the nursing process when providing and/or supervising direct patient care. Assumes responsibility for the coordination of care focused on patient education, self‑management, and customer satisfaction throughout the continuum of care. Administers medications and procedures per established policies and guidelines. Influences care outcomes by collaborating with members of the interdisciplinary team.

English Language Proficiency — In accordance with 38 U.7403(f) no person shall serve in direct patient care positions unless they are proficient in basic written and spoken English.

Graduate of a professional nursing school approved by the appropriate accrediting agency (ACEN or CCNE).

Or individuals attending a master’s level bridge program in nursing may become registered as a nurse with a state licensing board prior to completion of the bridge program.

Upon achievement of a State license the individual may be appointed on a temporary basis and later converted to a permanent appointment upon successful completion and graduation from the bridge program.

Or graduates of foreign schools of professional nursing with current, full, active, and unrestricted registration meet the requirement for graduation from an approved school of professional nursing to warrant appointment as a Nurse who has completed an associated degree/entry level Nursing education program.

Credit for foreign nursing education higher than associate degree/entry level requires a formal degree equivalency validation from a recognized equivalency evaluation accepted by VA such as International Consultants of Delaware (ICD).

Current, full, active, and unrestricted registration as a graduate professional nurse in a State, Territory, Commonwealth, or the District of Columbia.

Graduate Nurse Technician (GNT) Exception: Candidates who otherwise meet the basic education requirements but do not possess the required licensure may be appointed at the entry step of the grade and level applicable to the completed nursing education as a GNT on a 120‑day temporary appointment while actively pursuing licensure (may be extended up to two years on a case‑by‑case basis).

Associate Degree (ADN) or Diploma in Nursing with no additional professional nursing required – Nurse I – Level I.

ADN or Diploma plus 1 year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse I – Level 1, or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) with no additional professional nursing experience required – Nurse I – Level II.

BSN with 1 year of professional nursing experience equivalent to Nurse I – Level 2, or an MSN with no additional professional nursing experience – Nurse I – Level III.

BSN with 2 years of professional nursing experience equivalent to Nurse I – Level 3, or an MSN with one year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse I – Level 3, or a Master’s degree in a related field with a BSN and no additional professional nursing experience – Nurse I – Level 3.

BSN with 2 years of professional nursing experience equivalent to Nurse I – Level 3, or an MSN with one year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse I – Level 3, or a Master’s degree in a related field with a BSN and one year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse I – Level 3, or a Doctoral degree in Nursing with no professional nursing experience – Nurse II, etc., Preferred Experience: BSN/Oncology Nursing Society Certification preferred or required within one year.

Minimum of two years increasingly complex clinical nursing experience including at least one year of med/surg experience or one year of oncology experience.

Chemotherapy/Biotherapy Certification through the National Oncology Society required within first six months.

Demonstrated ability to work effectively with other members of the health care team.

Evidence of strong positive interpersonal, customer service, verbal/written communication and leadership skills.

Evidence of excellent collaborative relationships with physicians and support services.

Computer skills – including Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.

Functions or Scope of Assigned Duties: The Oncology/Hematology Registered Nurse is a clinical expert who uses advanced specialized knowledge and judgment for delivery of high‑quality, evidence‑based care to oncology patients and their families.

Uses a team approach to identify, analyze, and resolve patient care problems with measurable outcomes.

Completes physiological assessments and documentation in the electronic health record (EHR) in accordance with established policies and procedures.

Monitors, tracks, and reports ongoing care needs and outcomes to the interdisciplinary team.

Directs the provision of nursing education, orientation, competencies, and provides quality improvement and outcome utilization.

Provides a safe working environment while administering, handling, and disposing of antineoplastic drugs and medical waste.

Oversees the administration and management of various medical procedures and treatments in the oncology setting, including vascular access devices and infusion treatments.

Conducts in‑service education based on oncology professional development activities and acquires specialized skills in oncology‑specific areas, including chemotherapy administration, oncology electronic ordering systems, and calculating drug dosages.

Manages monitoring requirements for specific drugs, handling immediate infusion reactions and preventing and managing oncology‑related symptoms and adverse events.

accountable to the Associate Director of Patient Care Services (ADPCS).

Dimensions of Nursing Practice: Leads professional practice using the nursing process (assessment, diagnosis, outcome identification, planning, implementation, and evaluation) to improve evidence‑based and data‑driven outcomes for an identified patient population and specialized areas within immediate practice setting.

Expands knowledge base and practice evaluation through mentoring, precepting, and/or teaching to improve outcomes in the immediate practice setting.

Customer Service Requirements: Meets the needs of Veterans and, where appropriate, their families, caregivers, and significant others while supporting VA missions.

Provides patients and families with consistent information according to established policies and procedures.

Competitive salary with regular salary increases and potential for performance awards.

Paid Time Off: 50 days per year (26 days annual leave, 13 days sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays).

Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401(k) with up to 5% employer match.

Federal health, vision, dental, term life, long‑term care; many federal programs may be carried into retirement.

Work Schedule: Full Time (Rotational Shifts). Telework and virtual options not available.

Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized; Adults aged 18 to 65+; requires visual acuity, keen hearing, clear speech, manual dexterity, prolonged walking, standing, stooping, sitting, bending, lifting 10 pounds or more, pushing, turning patients, donning protective clothing in isolation or operative situations, and exposing to potentially combative patients secondary to delirium, dementia, or psychiatric disorders.

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