Medical Oncology Nurse (m/f)

Responsible for hands-on patient care and supporting the Department of Medical Oncology at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center Croatia by administering treatments such as Chemotherapy and Infusions while monitoring patients’ vitals, The Medical Oncology Nurse is also responsible for setting the standards for the level and quality of care. Medical Oncology Nurse has responsibility, authority, and accountability for the provision of nursing care. The Medical Oncology Nurse manages and provides patient care activities for a group of patients and their families through the application of independent judgment, communication, and collaboration with all team members. The role of the Professional Staff Nurse encompasses leadership, partnership, collaboration, and supervision. The Medical Oncology Nurse establishes and maintains collaborative relationships with physicians, other health care providers, patients, and their families, to achieve desired patient outcomes throughout the continuum of care. The Medical Oncology Nurse demonstrates a commitment to the community and to the nursing profession. They must also demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to his/her age-specific needs and to provide the care needs as described in the department policy and procedures. Responsibilities - Recognize and treat cancer-related issues - Create individualized care plans for patients under their supervision and care - Manage patient pain relief and sedation by providing pharmacological and non-pharmacological intervention, monitor patient response, and record care plans accordingly - Gain significant experience in diverse areas of the nursing process for oncology patients; administer chemotherapy and blood products - Provide professional nursing care for patients as it relates to provider orders, chemotherapy administration, and patient education - Perform triage, assessments, lab interpretation, hospital admissions, rooming patients, medication management, chemotherapy preparation, and administration - Initiate, monitor, and terminate therapies including medications, antibiotics, and hydration therapy - Conduct patient examination, assessment, and interview before surgery - Conduct clinical reviews of oncology patient therapy based on roadmap and protocol guidelines - Responsible for demonstrating accountability for professional development that improves the quality of professional practice and the quality of patient care - Actively participates in unit-based shared governance and goal setting; supports the change and transition process to improve the quality of care and practice environment - Serves as a highly engaged and full partner on the care team and responds willingly to care team members’ needs for assistance and partnership. - Participates in work that improves patient care and the professional practice environment. Adapts to change and demonstrates flexibility with the change process - Applies the nursing process within the framework of relationship-based care to create a healing environment - Formulates daily goals and a plan of care for patients that involves the patient as a partner and considers the individual needs of the patient in a holistic manner - Demonstrates critical thinking in the identification of clinical, social, safety, psychological, and spiritual issues for patient care within an episode of care - Practices solid communication skills and can articulate and translate the patient's condition to other care providers in order to negotiate and make recommendations for changes in patient care and unit practices - Maintains comprehensive patient documentation and promotes communication between caregivers - Creates a caring and compassionate patient-focused experience by building healing relationships with patients, families, and colleagues - Provides detailed and appropriate teaching to patients and families to effectively guide them through the episode of care as well as transition to another level of care and/or home - Supports the development of new staff and colleagues; may serve as a preceptor - Identifies opportunities for quality improvement to colleagues and management - Takes personal responsibility for improving patient satisfaction with the quality of care and service - Utilizes research and evidence-based practice to support improvement in clinical care; identifies research issues or articles related to clinical specialty or areas of interest, discusses opportunities for quality improvement at multidisciplinary rounds, and influences patients' plans of care - Demonstrates an understanding of cultural differences and holds peers accountable for healthy relationships - Communicates any safety hazards identified in the workplace to management and peers - Performs other duties as assigned