Radiation Oncology Nurse, Per Diem

STAFF NURSE/ PER DIEM/ ROTATING SHIFT/ RADIATION ONCOLOGY/ BWH- MAIN CAMPUS

GENERAL OVERVIEW:

GENERAL OVERVIEW FOR RADIATION ONCOLOGY

The staff nurse's responsibilities in Radiation Oncology include assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of nursing care for a complex patient population. The staff nurse provides patient and family education, clinical support and psychosocial and emotional support before, during and after treatment. Nursing care may include caring for patients during brachytherapy procedures, as well as external beam treatments. Nursing care includes adult and pediatric patients. He/she/they is a member of a multidisciplinary care team that requires effective communication and collaboration with co-workers and staff at the BWH, DFCI and collaborating institutions and agencies. The role requires clinical expertise, critical thinking, collaborative practice, excellent communication skills and an understanding of the principles and practices of current treatment for cancer and clinical research. The Radiation Oncology staff nurse reports directly to the Radiation Oncology RN Flow Manager. Performs procedures and Point of care testing as ordered. Responsible for all the elements of the BWH Registered Nurse Job Description.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

CLINICAL PRACTICE

A. Organization of Patient Care

• Accountable for assessing, planning, implementing and evaluating a plan of care for a specific patient assignment.

• Sets priorities when organizing care for patients with varying acuity.

• Maintain continuity through clear and concise (verbal and written) communication.

• Demonstrates appropriate knowledge of growth and development of the adult and geriatric patient. In areas, such as the NICU and Obstetrics the principals of growth and development are applicable to the neonate.

B. Quality of Care

• Documents patient care in a manner that is clear, complete, concise and in compliance with nursing documentation standards.

• Develops a comprehensive plan of care based on data from an initial assessment of patient and family, information from other members of the health care team, intra-agency referral and previous medical records.

• Develops a comprehensive educational plan for the patient and family, utilizing appropriate resources and documents according to the department's documentation standards.

• Develops a comprehensive discharge plan utilizing appropriate resources and referrals including community resources.

• Evaluates the effectiveness of the plan of care, and documents progress in meeting stated goals. Revises plan of care as needed to achieve desired outcomes.

• Participates actively in the unit-based and organizational quality management and/or quality improvement programs.

• Provides a safe environment for patients, staff, family and visitors.

• Administers medication safely according to established policies and procedures.

• Performs nursing procedures safely and efficiently.

• Uses equipment safely and efficiently.

• Demonstrates awareness of potential/actual risks of infection and modes of transmission. Utilizes universal precautions in nursing practice.

C. Coordination/Collaboration

• Interacts with patients, families, and colleagues in a professional manner.

• Collaborates with other discipline(s).

• Develops, utilizes and evaluates unit-specific standards of care.

• Upholds the A.N.A. code of ethics and acts as a role model to other staff members.

• Participates in determining and implementing goals and objectives for the unit.

• Participates in determining goals and objectives in the periodic review and evaluation.

• Serves on unit-based and organizational committees, and disseminates information to peers.

D. Education

• Assumes responsibility for personal and professional growth through identification of own learning needs.

• Shares knowledge and experience with colleagues.

• Participates in unit-based and organizational educational programs.

• Seeks and accepts guidance for additional learning needs.

E. Research

• Utilizes nursing research findings in clinical practice.

• Contributes to nursing and/or medical research endeavors by supporting investigators.

F. Budget

• Utilizes time and materials in an effective and economical manner.

• Provides suggestions which support the delivery of cost effective health care.

• Assesses patient's acuity accurately when making decisions regarding staffing, transfers and assignments.

• Demonstrates awareness of the need to manage within established budgetary boundaries.

G. Personnel

• Participates in the orientation of new staff members, students and others as appropriate.

• Provides input into the clinical evaluation of other staff, as appropriate.

• Assumes responsibility for the unit in the absence of leadership personnel.

• Adheres to hospital and nursing policies and aids in their interpretation to others.

• Recommends change in policies and procedures through appropriate channels.

• Participates in the cooperative effort and peer support required for the smooth running of the unit, e.g., flexibility in relation to patient assignments, shift assignment, or work schedule.

At the Brigham, we place great value on being a diverse and inclusive community. Brigham Health and the Department of Nursing are dedicated to diversity, equity and inclusion as we aim to reflect the diversity of the patients in our local community. We have a dedicated focus on equity. Thus, we believe in equal access to quality care, employment and advancement opportunities encompassing the full spectrum or human diversity: race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, national origin and all the other forms of human presence and expression that make us better able to provide innovative and cutting-edge healthcare and research.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

• Graduate of an approved school of nursing with current registration in Massachusetts. For newly licensed nurses a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing is required.

Experience:

• One to two years of oncology nursing experience required.

• Procedural experience preferred.

• One to two years of Radiation Oncology experience preferred.

• Pediatric experience preferred.

• OCN and PALs certification preferred.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Works in a variety of patient care environments where there may be exposure to communicable diseases and hazardous materials such as chemotherapeutic agents, blood, radioisotopes, and radiation. Work entails walking and lifting.

• Department hours are 6:30 am

• 7:00 pm (approx.), Monday

• Friday. Occasional weekends.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

The RN must show evidence of the basic analytic thinking necessary to care for a group of patients. Must demonstrate observational skills and the ability to set priorities. Must be able to function under stress with good interpersonal and communication skills. Must demonstrate effective skills in applying hospital standards in area of service, team work, communication, respect for others, and time/priority management.