Registered Nurse

The Oncology RN is responsible for professional nursing care according to individual needs of the patient population within the rules and regulations of the Illinois Nurse Practice Act, managing the operation of the office on a daily basis, and functioning as an integral part of the patient care team to coordinate patient care by interacting with care team members, all Clinic departments, hospitals, nursing homes, and home care agencies.

Job Relationships

Reports to the Operations Manager

Principal Responsibilities

• Interview for a nursing history, assessment of health knowledge and maintenance, and documents findings in the medical record.
• Obtain medical information, chief complaints, vital signs and diagnostic test results in preparation for physician examination and documents in the medical record.
• Serve as a patient advocate by protecting patient rights and give attention to complaints regarding service.
• Evaluate the need for a referral to other agencies or providers such as Home Health or community agencies.
• Screen all patient problems either in person or by phone with the resolution being advice or referral to physician.
• Provide a planned education program related to prevention, health maintenance, specific disease or condition and document results in the medical record.
• Give home care instruction for procedures and medications.
• Provide pre and postoperative instruction for specific surgical and/or medical procedures.
• Document patient education in the medical record.
• Administer respiratory therapeutic treatments and document according to policy.
• Administer irrigations such as foley catheter, enemas, ear wash, and document results in medical record.
• Collect specimens including cultures and provide coding.
• Apply and remove casts, provide patient instruction and document in medical record.
• Perform procedures such as catherization, suture removal dressing changes following Infection Control Policy and document results in medical record.
• Administer medications by all routes except chemotherapy (with the exception of RN with a Chemotherapy and Biotherapy certificate), or IV blood and blood products.
• Assist the physician in the examination, treatment of the patient by handing instruments, providing dressings, preparing equipment, etc. according to Infection Control Policy.
• Orient new personnel to specialty.
• Provide emotional support and guidance to patients/family.
• Serve on the STAT Code Team, may direct the team and provide education to staff.
• Serve as resource to nursing personnel throughout the Clinic.
• May serve as a Health Care Assistant according to hospital policy.
• Coordinate the nursing care of the patient by interacting with all Clinic departments, hospitals, nursing homes and pharmacies.
• Demonstrate professionalism by adhering to performance standards including dress code.
• Insure confidentiality for patients and staff.
• Maintain knowledge by attending appropriate education programs, reading current journals and literature and documents for yearly evaluation.
• Perform pre-certifications/referrals for insurance companies as necessary.
• Comply with the Springfield Clinic incident reporting policy and procedures.
• Adhere to all OSHA and Springfield Clinic training & accomplishments as required per policy.
• Provide excellent customer service and adhere to Springfield Clinic's Code of Conduct and Ethics Standards.
• Perform other job duties as assigned.

Education/Experience

• Educated as a registered nurse by attaining an ADN, diploma or BSN.

Licenses/Certificates

• Current license as a Registered Nurse in the State of Illinois.
• Must obtain the Oncology Nursing Certification through the Oncology Nursing Society or meet the 12 hours of Oncology specific continuing education annually. Any new hire or transfer will have until the end of the calendar year following hire or transfer.
• ONS/ONCC Chemotherapy Immunotherapy Certificate will be required within six months of hire. 
• CPR certification per American Heart Association guidelines required within 30 days of hire.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to assume accountability and responsibility for own practice and that, which is delegated.
• Ability to practice independent nursing consistent with the Illinois Nurse Practice Act.
• Ability to serve on appropriate committees.

Working Environment

• Works in office setting during the hours the Clinic is available to patients/families.
• Sitting vs. standing averages to 50-50%.
• Minimal lifting requirements. Occasional lifting required for orthopedics, geriatrics and internal medicine.

PHI/Privacy Level

HIPAA1