Position Objective:

To efficiently and effectively triage incoming calls and provide a variety of nursing treatment functions, including the assessment of symptoms, prioritizing patient appointments, facilitating smooth patient flow and by providing assistance to physicians and supervision of clinical support staff within the office setting.

Essential Job Duties:

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions

1. Delivers quality professional nursing care as the expert nurse clinician through evidence based oncology nursing best practices. This is accomplished through the demonstration of clinical competencies, knowledge and understanding of ambulatory and oncology nursing standards and practice in ambulatory infusion and oncology nursing practices. The delivery of care will be consistent with guidelines established in the Nurse Practice Act, the Oncology Nursing Society and the nursing standards of AAMC and HCE. The incumbent will obtain guidance for the standards of care in oncology from the Director of Ambulatory Nursing at AAMC.
2. Provides direct care to patients and families in a culturally, developmentally, and appropriate manner.
3. Participates in the education and orientation of new staff; evaluates delegated activities for expected patient care outcomes. Responds to inquiries from physicians, nurses, patients and families in established timeframes to promote improvement of clinical outcomes and efficiency.
4. Demonstrates proficiency and competency in the use and troubleshooting of all types of venous access devices and serves as a nurse expert as requested. Responsible for maintaining knowledge of principles in administration of biotherapy, chemotherapy, blood transfusions, and other related infusions services.
5. Develops and provides education for patients and family members related to biotherapy, chemotherapy or relation infusions, services, expected toxicities and interventions. Provides patient education on the preparation, administration and disposal of oral chemotherapy.
6. Acts as a resource and consultant for patients and families, assisting in referrals when necessary for both internal and external resources including social work, nutrition, case management, financial coordinators, nurse navigators, home health, hospice, physical therapy, and wound care.
7. Uses evidence based guidelines and demonstrates competency for the care of duties according to established standards for age groups late childhood through geriatric.
8. Demonstrates competency and continually enhances the practice of oncology nursing by seeking educational opportunities that are self-initiated or through formal AAMC /HCE Nursing or professional society sponsored education. Presents and participates in nursing rounds, case presentations or nursing committees to maintain and share knowledge of ambulatory oncology practice.
9. Collaborates with and participates in the care of research patients and the identification, education, documentation and compliance of patients in clinical trial protocols. Consistently communicates changes in patient status to the appropriate members of the healthcare team.
10. Collaborates with the health care team in developing and individualizing a plan of care for each patient in accordance with established standards, appropriate prioritization of problems/needs, and mutually agreed upon goals.

Educational/Experience Requirements:

• Associate Degree in Nursing required; Bachelor`s Degree in Nursing preferred.
• Minimum of two years oncology nursing experience.
• RNs will be required to complete and pass the Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) Chemotherapy/Biotherapy Course within the following timeframe: Experienced registered nurses (>1 year of experience) within 6 months of hire; New graduate nurses (<1 year="" of="" experience)="" within="" 12="" months="" of="">
• RNs will be required to keep the ONS Chemotherapy/Biotherapy Card renewed every 24 months.

Required License/Certifications:

• Registered Nurse in the State of Maryland.
• Oncology Nursing Certification a plus.
• Maintains a current CPR certification.

Working Conditions, Equipment, Physical Demands:

There is a reasonable expectation that employees in this position will be exposed to blood-borne pathogens.

Physical Demands -

The physical demands and work environment that have been described are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The above job description is an overview of the functions and requirements for this position. This document is not intended to be an exhaustive list encompassing every duty and requirement of this position; your supervisor may assign other duties as deemed necessary.