RN - Radiation Oncology

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Provides nursing care to patients receiving radiation therapy. Performs a focused assessment, takes vital signs, weight, medical history and organizes equipment needed for examination. Assists patient in preparation for physician examination. Assists Radiation Oncologist with patient exams including but not limited to: pelvic exams, pap smears, biopsies, suture removal, naso-laryngoscopy, wound cleansing, etc.

Prepares cytology (e.g., pap smear, biopsy specimen) for transport to laboratory. Reviews and gathers available medical records in order to become familiar with patients' condition. Assembles medical records on patients for physician review. Develops and writes patient care plan of nursing care to be given throughout treatment course.

Researches and obtains pre-authorization for radiation treatments. Follows up with insurance companies as needed. Changes dressings, may start IV’s and may provide medications. Provides nursing care in accordance with hospital policies and procedures and physician orders. Records care given on nursing notes (i.e., part of patients' medical record) and patient care plan.

Schedules diagnostic studies in other departments, informs patient and therapists of schedule. Documents results on medical record. Schedules patients for weekly review, completion of treatment review, and follow-up examination by physician. Assembles treatment chart (i.e., department record of radiation dosage, progress notes, etc.)

Assesses patients' condition, records observation on nursing notes and informs physician of observations. Answers questions pertaining to radiation therapy treatment and side effects. Explains purpose and plan of treatment, potential side effects, diet, etc. to patients and families. Recommends and consults with physician regarding Hospice, Home Health, Social Service and dietary consultations for patients.

Prepares instruments for cleaning and sterilization and sends to Sterile Processing. Respond to emergency medical situations in an urgent manner and perform on the spot emergency assistance which may include first aid and/or CPR. Works with staff in general scheduling, patient charging, and order entry. Complies with established administrative/personnel/departmental policies and procedures.

Incorporates the mission into daily activities and the performance of job duties. Practices and behaves in a professional, safe and ethical manner at all times. Serves as a patient advocate. Maintains friendly and courteous interpersonal communication skills and a positive service attitude. Participates in performance improvement and educational activities.

Completes all CEU’s as required by respective licensure. If licensed, maintains an active and current license. Works willingly and accepts assignments as given. Attends all mandatory meetings and programs. Participates in opportunities that enhance personal and professional growth. Performs other duties as necessary or assigned.

Complies with the Corporate Compliance Policy and all laws, regulations, and Standards of Conduct relating to the position and agrees to report any suspected violations of law or Standards of Conduct. Complies with all applicable state and federal regulations and JCAHO standards. Maintains a safe work environment using safe work practices, utilizing standard precautions and complying with hazardous waste procedures at all times as described in St.

Anthony's Safety Manual. Maintains the confidentiality of patient, resident, employee and organizational information. Supervisory Responsibilities This job has no supervisory responsibilities, however, may assist physician with special unit procedures and provide training, education, and guidance to assigned L.P.N.s, C.

M.A.s and/or C.N.A.s. Carries out responsibilities in accordance with the department Director, organization’s policies and applicable laws.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education

and/or Experience RN with state license required; Current license to practice nursing in the state. BSN preferred. Two years of experience as a professional nurse preferred. Position Requirements, Certificates, Licenses, Registrations OCN (Oncology Certification) encouraged within two years of employment BLS (Basic Life Support) certification through the American Heart Association required.

New hires may obtain certification during onboarding with organizational support. Ability to create a caring, compassionate relationship with the patients and families. Ability to collaborate with the healthcare team to use evidence-based practice in providing care. Expertise in handling sophisticated medical equipment.

Must possess effective time management skills. Ability to carry out assignments with minimal supervision and guidance. Language Skills Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before customers, patients, families and employees of the organization.

Physical Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; talk and hear; and use hands to finger, handle or feel.

The employee is frequently required to stoop, kneel, crouch, and reach with hands and arms. The employee is frequently required to walk and sit. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 20 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, color vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

May be exposed to infectious diseases and occupational dangers like accidental needle pricks. Must be able to withstand physical and emotional stress. Work Environment The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be exposed to moving mechanical parts, fumes or airborne particles, risk of electrical shock, and blood borne pathogens. The employee may be exposed to unpleasant sights, odors, and materials.

The employee may be exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals and risk of radiation. The employee may occasionally be exposed to high, precarious places and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.