The posting
Tennessee Oncology, one of the nation’s largest, community-based cancer care specialists, is home to one of the leading clinical trial networks in the country. Established 1976 in Nashville, Tennessee Oncology’s mission remains unchanged: To provide access to high-quality cancer care and the expertise of clinical research for all patients, at convenient locations within their community and close to their home. Our growing network of physicians and locations is based on this mission. Tennessee Oncology is committed to advancing both the science of detection and targeted treatments, and to making these advances available to every patient. We believe caring for cancer patients is a privilege.
Why Join Us? We are looking for talented and highly-motivated individuals who demonstrate a natural desire to support the meaningful work of community oncologists and the patients we serve.
Job Description:
The Radiation Oncology Registered Nurse (RN) will be an active part of the healthcare team, working closely with Radiation Oncologists, Radiation Therapists, Medical Dosimetrists, Medical Physicists, and various support staff. The RN will provide exceptional care and support to patients, ensuring their comfort and safety throughout their radiation therapy treatment course. This role requires excellent clinical skills, a collaborative attitude, active emotional intelligence, and a strong commitment to patient-centered care.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Patient Care and Assessment:
- Conduct thorough patient assessments, including physical, psychological, and social evaluations.
- Monitor patient response to treatment and provide necessary interventions, as instructed by the radiation oncologist.
- Perform appropriate tests and safely administer medications within the scope of practice.
- Maintain accurate and detailed patient records, including nursing assessments, interventions, and progress notes.
- Perform phlebotomy procedures including starting peripheral IVs, accessing power-ports, and drawing blood.
- Sort, scan and file patient internal and external reports, consultations, and histories into the Oncology Information Management System.
Patient Education and Support:
- Educate patients and their families about radiation therapy, including potential side effects and self-care strategies. Identify learning needs of the patient and family and educate them by adapting to their learning style, utilizing the teach-back method.
- Provide emotional support and counseling to patients and their families throughout the treatment process.
- Serve as an advocate for patients, ensuring they have access to necessary resources and support services.
Collaboration and Coordination:
- Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings to discuss patient cases and treatment plans.
- Coordinate patient care activities, including scheduling procedures and follow-up appointments.
- Assist leadership with auditing, documenting, and ordering medical supplies.
Quality Improvement and Compliance:
- Follow all regulatory and accreditation standards, including those specific to radiation oncology nursing.
- Engage in quality improvement initiatives to enhance patient care and outcomes.
- Stay current with advancements in radiation oncology nursing and integrate best practices into patient care.
QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS:
Education:
- Associates or Bachelor’s degree in nursing
- Licensed as a Registered Nurse in the State of Tennessee
Certification:
- Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required
- ONS/ONCC Radiation Therapy certification preferred.
PREFERRED EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS:
- Minimum of 2 years of nursing experience, preferably in oncology or radiation oncology.
- Proven expertise in managing patients undergoing radiation therapy is an advantage.
- Excellent clinical and critical thinking skills.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
- Proficiency in electronic medical records (EMR) and other healthcare technology.
- Maintains an acceptable level of attendance and/or punctuality. Consistently reports when scheduled.
- Promotes a secure, safe, and healthy work environment. Promptly reports accidents, injuries or unsafe or hazardous conditions. Maintains a neat, clean, professional image; adheres to dress code. Maintains a clean and organized work area.
- Promotes prevention of fraud, abuse & waste. Reports instances of fraud, abuse, and waste. Completes required compliance training. Reviews and follows company and clinical policy and procedure.
PHYSICIAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Occasional lifting of heavy objects and assisting patients may be required. Must be willing and able to lift up to 50 pounds.
- Able to communicate, distinguish sounds, and visualize. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
- Hearing must be adequate to perform job duties in person and over the telephone. Able to use stethoscope and respond to verbal questions.
- Regular manual dexterity.
