JOB SUMMARY (overview of job): The Oncology RN will demonstrate knowledge of the nursing process as a standard, incorporating elements of holistic family centered care through the collection, verification and organization of data about a patient’s health status, planning for care, implementation of the plan and evaluation. The RN will provide direct and indirect patient care in the Oncology Unit setting. Provides excellent care that reflects compassion, initiative, flexibility and responsibility indicative of professional expectation with a minimum of supervision. The RN will also act as a resource and mentor for new and inexperienced nurses as needed. Determines priorities of care based on physical and psychosocial needs, is able to deal with ethical issues surrounding cancer pain management, end of life decisions, altered body image, death and dying, informed consent. Demonstrates thorough knowledge of chemotherapy, method of administration, rate of delivery, drug properties, and safe handling. Provides ongoing education to patients and their families about their medications, expected side effects from chemotherapy and ways to manage them, safe handling of body fluids, body image alterations. Provides emotional support when dealing with death and dying. Communicates with physician/nurse manager/co-workers as appropriate about changes in a patient's clinical condition including results of diagnostic studies and symptomatology. Is able to respond quickly and accurately to changes in condition or response to treatment. Additionally, is able to perform general nursing duties in all departments with adequate supervision.