Treatment Nurse

Illinois CancerCare is seeking a full-time Treatment Nurse (RN) to work at the Peru Clinic. The RN will provide nursing care and administer chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and supportive treatments to medical oncology/hematology outpatients. Works in conjunction with other linic nurses and oncology physicians and APN's to provide counseling and education to patients and families.

• Administers chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy and supportive therapy agents safely. Calculate dosages and administers chemotherapeutic and biologic agents accurately and safely according to OSHA guidelines.
• Interprets laboratory data correctly, assesses for side effects, uses proper administration techniques and initiates nursing protocol in the event of drug extravasation. Documents administration of drugs and nursing interventions per nursing guidelines.
• Performs general nursing functions, which may include mediport flush and needle insertion, sterile dressing changes, foley catheterization and injections following necessary aseptic technique.
• Prepares next day treatment schedule to ensure patients have a chair reserved for treatment if needed and are scheduled for labs as needed. Prepares pod or clinic APN schedules for next day and ensures teaching packets are available for scheduled teachings.
• Maintains cleanliness and order in treatment rooms which includes stocking, cleaning of chairs, and counting of nucleus machine. Stocking and cleaning may be delegated to MOA if available using proper delegation.
• Assesses the patient in the office as well as over the telephone for:
• Side effects of chemotherapy.
• Toxicities of chemotherapy.
• Oncologic emergencies.
• Physical and psychological effect of the disease process.
• Assesses the patient regarding:
• Comfort and adequacy of pain control.
• Nutritional needs.
• Sexual dysfunction.
• Quality of life.
• Performs thorough nursing assessment and reports them in a concise manner to the physician.
• Assists clinic physician performing diagnostic procedures which may include bone marrow aspiration and biopsy, or other tests and procedures as directed by the clinic physician.
• Reacts calmly and appropriately in emergency situations. Has adequate knowledge necessary to operate emergency equipment.
• Assists team nurses with triage of patient's phone calls in a prompt manner utilizing nursing knowledge and courtesy.
• Maintains professional attitude and positive public relations with hospital personnel, pharmacies and other community resources.
• Travels to and works at satellite clinics as required.
• Obtains OCN certification prior to 3 years of employment. Keeps up with mandatory education.
• Follows all HIPAA regulations as outlined in the Policies and Procedures Manual.
• Performs all other duties as requested or required.

SPECIAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Requires full range of body motion, including handling and lifting patients, manual and finger dexterity and eye-hand coordination.
• Requires standing and walking for extensive periods of time.
• Occasionally lift and carries items weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Requires corrected vision and hearing to normal range.
• Requires working under stressful conditions or working irregular hours.
• Requires exposure to communicable diseases or bodily fluids.

SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS/TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS

• The employee has frequent exposure to communicable diseases, toxic substances, ionizing radiation, medicinal preparations, chemotherapy, biohazardous specimens & wastes and other conditions common to a clinic environment.
• Safety policies and good health practices are to be understood and observed.
• Work is performed in an office environment with frequent contact with staff and patients.
• Work may be repetitious, and in a high-stress environment.
• Contact may involve dealing with angry and/or upset people.

Nursing degree (BSN preferred and strongly encouraged) and at least one year of clinical experience.

TRAINING AND LICENSURE REQUIRED

Illinois Registered Nursing License: OCN certification is not required for hire but will be required after two years of employment and is expected to be obtained prior to three years of employment.