Job Summary
The Registered Nurse (RN) in Oncology provides specialized care to cancer patients undergoing treatment for various oncological conditions. This role involves delivering direct patient care, monitoring treatment responses, and providing support to both patients and their families throughout the treatment process. The oncology nurse will be responsible for administering chemotherapy, managing symptoms, providing education, and assisting in the coordination of multidisciplinary care to support cancer patients' physical, emotional, and psychological needs.
Key Responsibilities
Essential Responsibilities
Patient Care & Evaluation:
- Assume responsibility for an assigned group of oncology patients, assessing their needs and planning individualized care.
- Document patient responses to nursing interventions, prescribed treatments, and physician orders.
- Assist physicians during patient exams, diagnostic procedures, and treatments, ensuring patient comfort and safety.
- Monitor and record physiological data such as vital signs and lab results, and intervene appropriately when necessary.
- Administer prescribed medications, including chemotherapy, pain management, and supportive treatments.
- Initiate, regulate, and monitor intravenous infusions and blood products as prescribed.
- Deliver competent patient care throughout the treatment process, focusing on symptom management, pain relief, and quality of life.
- Communicate effectively with patients and families to share the care plan, explain procedures, and provide education on treatment options.
- Ensure patients and families are informed of hospital procedures and aftercare instructions, especially post-treatment care.
- Refer patients to appropriate specialists or support services as needed.
- Delegate tasks to nursing support staff while ensuring quality care and adherence to safety protocols.
General Responsibilities:
- Perform other duties as assigned by supervisory staff and management.
Required Skills & Experience
Experience:
- Must have at least 2 years of recent experience in the specialty within the past 2 years.
- Knowledge of professional nursing theory, practices, techniques, and procedures, particularly in oncology care.
- Ability to organize, plan, coordinate, and evaluate nursing services in a busy, high-acuity environment.
- Strong interpersonal skills to maintain positive working relationships with patients, families, and multidisciplinary team members.
- Effective verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to explain complex medical information to patients and families.
- Ability to respond to the cultural and language needs of diverse patients and visitors.
- Basic computer skills for patient documentation and communication.
Required Education
Minimum:
- Associate's Degree in Nursing from an accredited program.
Preferred:
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or higher from a Board-approved nursing program.
Required Certifications & Licensure
Licensure:
- Current Registered Nurse (RN) license issued by the Oklahoma State Board of Nursing or a current multistate compact RN license (eNLC).
Certifications:
- Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification issued by the American Heart Association.
- Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification issued by the American Heart Association.