EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE 

 

Minimum Qualifications:

·        Education: Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing (BSN).

·        Experience: Five years of clinical RN experience, including oncology nursing experience.

 

Preferred Qualifications:

·        Education: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

·        Experience: Five (5) years of clinical RN experience in oncology

Ambulatory Oncology experience Bilingual capabilities are beneficial.

 

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS OR CERTIFICATIONS

 

Required:

Current RN license or valid temporary permit to practice professional nursing in Texas, permanent license must be obtained within 90 days Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.

·        Approved nursing specialty certification appropriate for specialty area.

·        Oncology Nursing Certification or ability to obtain certification within one year of employment.

 

Preferred:

Additional certifications specific to oncology practice may be required (e.g., chemotherapy, hazardous waste handling). Completion of moderate sedation course. Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Senior Oncology Nurse Clinician delivers expert level nursing care to adult cancer patients in various settings, including outpatient clinics and infusion centers where chemotherapy is administered.  The Senior Oncology Nurse Clinician uses the nursing process to effectively plan and manage quality cancer care. Practices consistent holistic nursing care addressing the physical, psychosocial, and spiritual needs of individuals with cancer and their caregivers through the cancer journey. Expert nurse clinician. Executes nursing interventions across the care continuum in collaboration with the multi-disciplinary team, incorporating appropriate clinical procedures related to cancer diagnosis. Directs others in responding to oncologic emergencies or unusual situations. Serves as a role model on the unit; sets a high standard of conduct, behavior, and professionalism. Actions, attitude, and work ethic demonstrate exceptional leadership qualities that inspire and motivate other RNs, clinical staff, and trainees.

 

 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Independently obtains complex and comprehensive health histories and assesses patient and associated needs, develops interventions associated with clinical procedures related to cancer diagnoses, and implements symptom management and monitoring parameters based on treatment.

 

Provides consultation and coordination throughout the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up. Communicates with patients to schedule procedure, provide preparation instructions, and follows up with referring physicians on procedure status.

 

Performs or assists in procedural care requiring complex nursing skills and clinical judgment; treats acute/chronic medical problems as per physician-approved protocol. Administers ordered medications via oral, subcutaneous, intramuscular, intradermal, or sublingual routes.

 

Administers chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and other complex IV medications, adhering to strict safety protocols and sterile techniques.

 

Monitors patients for adverse reactions to treatment and implements appropriate interventions.

 

Educates patients and their families about diagnoses, treatment options, and potential side effects. Provides emotional support and counseling to patients and caregivers coping with a cancer diagnosis. Identifies learning needs of the patient and families and educates by adapting to patient and family learning styles utilizing the teach-back method. Advocates on the patient and family's behalf to identify and resolve clinical and ethical concerns. Serve as a role model and mentor to other RNs who may require guidance on patient advocacy. Identifies areas of practice improvements with research-based evidence to achieve quality measures and patient safety outcomes, supported by accurate documentation and patient teaching, which are presented to department and leadership.  Documents nursing assessments and interventions in the electronic medical record to reflect a comprehensive and integrated approach to patient/family care and clinical research.

·         

·        Participates in leadership opportunities to foster professional development and skills within oncology nursing, regulatory requirements, and job expectations.

  

 

Marginal or Periodic Functions:

·        Adheres to internal controls and reporting structure.

·        Performs telephone triage.

·        Assist providers with procedures that may or may not require moderate sedation.

·        Performs additional related duties as required.

 

 

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES

·        Remains current regarding professional practice standards, research studies and theories to improve care and applies same as appropriate to management of patient care.

·        Serves as a practice role model in areas of expertise.

·        Maintains and develops own skills in area of expertise.

·        Demonstrates a high level of initiative in recognizing and resolving clinical problems.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT/EQUIPMENT

Clinical environment and equipment.  May be exposed to such occupational hazards as communicable diseases, blood-borne pathogens, ionizing & non-ionizing radiation, hazardous medications and disoriented or combative patients or others.

Equal Employment Opportunity

UTMB Health strives to provide equal opportunity employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state or local laws unless such distinction is required by law. As a VEVRAA Federal Contractor, UTMB Health takes affirmative action to hire and advance women, minorities, protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Compensation