Registered Nurse – Pediatric Hematology Oncology

Department Overview

The Doernbecher Pediatric Hematology/Oncology clinic and Doernbecher Infusion Center provides care to patients newborn through 21 years of age. In the Cancer Survivors clinic held on Fridays, patients may be cared for up to 29 years of age. In addition, patient populations with specific pediatric oncology diagnoses may be followed until the age of 25 years. We provide care for Pediatric Transplantation and Cellular Therapy patients as well as pediatric specialty infusion patients up to 21 years of age.

This position also comes with great benefits! Some highlights include:

• Comprehensive health care plans. Covered at 100% of the cost for full-time employees and 88% for dependents.
• $50K of term life insurance provided at no cost to the employee
• Two separate above market pension plans to choose from
• Vacation - 192 to 288 hours per year depending on length of service, prorated for part-time
• Holidays - up to 64 holiday hours per calendar year (employees accrue .0308 holiday hours for each hour paid – included in vacation accruals)
• Sick Leave - 96 hours per year, prorated for part-time
• Substantial public transportation discounts (Tri-met and C-Tran)
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Innovative Employee Assistance Program (EAP) including extensive wellness resources

Function/Duties of Position

The Pediatric Hematology/Oncology/Infusion Registered Nurse (RN) provides specialized nursing care to pediatric and adolescent patients with hematologic disorders, oncologic diagnoses, and complex infusion therapy needs in an ambulatory setting. The RN delivers evidence-based care, coordinates multidisciplinary services, administers infusion therapies, and serves as a patient and family advocate throughout the continuum of care.

The RN collaborates closely with physicians, advanced practice providers, pharmacists, social workers, and ancillary team members to ensure safe, high-quality, family-centered care. This position supports clinic and infusion operations during Monday-Saturday service hours and participates in rotating schedules to meet patient access needs.

Essential Functions

Clinical Care

• Perform comprehensive nursing assessments and ongoing evaluations of pediatric patients with hematologic, oncologic, and infusion-related conditions.
• Administer chemotherapy, biologic therapies, blood products, immunotherapy, IV hydration, iron infusions, immunoglobulins, and other infusion treatments according to established protocols and safety standards.
• Monitor patients for adverse reactions and complications during and following infusion therapy.
• Assess and manage central venous access devices, including implanted ports, PICC lines, tunneled central lines, and peripheral IV access.
• Provide symptom management and triage for pain, nausea, fever, infection risk, treatment side effects, and disease-related complications.
• Collaborate with providers regarding treatment plans, changes in patient condition, and urgent clinical concerns.
• Maintain compliance with pediatric oncology safety standards, hazardous drug handling requirements, and infection prevention practices.

Ambulatory Triage and Care Coordination

• Conduct telephone and electronic message triage using established clinical protocols.
• Evaluate urgent patient concerns and facilitate same-day care, emergency department referrals, or direct admissions as appropriate.
• Coordinate care across inpatient, outpatient, infusion, procedural, and specialty services.
• Facilitate referrals, diagnostic testing, and follow-up appointments.
• Assist patients and families in navigating complex treatment plans and healthcare systems.

Patient and Family Education

• Provide education regarding diagnoses, medications, chemotherapy regimens, infusion therapies, symptom management, and home care.
• Assess learner readiness and tailor education to developmental and family needs.
• Reinforce treatment adherence and safety precautions.
• Document patient and caregiver understanding and educational outcomes.

Infusion Center Operations

• Verify treatment plans, laboratory results, and medication orders prior to infusion administration.
• Perform independent double-checks and medication verification processes consistent with organizational policy.
• Coordinate patient flow to maximize clinic and infusion capacity.
• Ensure appropriate supplies, equipment, and emergency preparedness resources are available.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration

• Participate in daily team huddles, case conferences, and care coordination meetings.
• Partner with pharmacy, laboratory, radiology, social work, nutrition, and child life services to optimize patient outcomes.
• Serve as a clinical resource for nursing colleagues and support staff.

Quality and Professional Practice

• Maintain competency in pediatric hematology/oncology nursing and infusion therapy standards.
• Participate in performance improvement, patient safety, and regulatory compliance activities.
• Support evidence-based practice and quality initiatives.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation within the electronic medical record.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of pediatric hematologic and oncologic disorders.
• Knowledge of chemotherapy administration and infusion therapy principles.
• Proficiency with central line management and vascular access care.
• Ability to recognize and respond to oncologic emergencies and infusion reactions.
• Strong patient education and family engagement skills.
• Effective interdisciplinary collaboration and care coordination abilities.
• Ability to prioritize competing clinical demands while maintaining patient safety.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum two years of pediatric nursing experience with acutely ill patients.
• Previous Experience in Pediatric Hematology/Oncology including administration of chemotherapy and blood products.
• BSN Graduates: Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing from a program accredited by Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (CNEA) 30 days before start date.
• ADN Graduates: Associate Degree in Nursing from an accredited program 30 days before the start date.
• Associate degree Nurses required to enroll in BSN program within 3 years of hire and complete within 5 years of hire
• Current, unencumbered Oregon State Registered Nurse License
• BLS from AHA required. New hires will be enrolled and required to complete during orientation.
• Must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without accommodation

Preferred Qualifications

• APHON (Association of Pediatric Hematology Oncology Nurses) Chemotherapy and Biotherapy Provider
• Specialty Certification (CPHON: Certified Pediatric Hematology Oncology Nurse; TCTCN:Transplantation and Cellular Therapy Certified Nurse).
• American Heart Association Basic Life Support
• American Heart Association Pediatric Advanced Life Support
• APHON (Association of Pediatric Hematology Oncology Nurses)
• Current CPHON (Certified Pediatric Hematology Oncology Nurse) or TCTCN (Transplantation and Cellular Therapy Certified Nurse) certification or complete 18 cancer related continuing education nursing contact hours each accreditation cycle (Q3yrs), per Commission on Cancer requirement.

Additional Details

Length of Orientation – Experienced Nurse

• External candidates: OHSU & Nursing New Employee Orientation (NEO) for about a week.
• Orientation experience for 3 days-26 weeks depending on the care area.

Why apply to OHSU?

We are Oregon's only public academic health center. In addition to caring for patients, we lead groundbreaking research. We also train the next generation of health care professionals. As Portland's largest employer, we give you opportunities to learn and advance in a system of hospitals and clinics across Oregon and Southwest Washington. All are welcome. OHSU welcomes people of all ages, ethnicities, genders, national origins, religions and sexual orientations. We are striving to build an anti-racist, multicultural institution and encourage people with diverse backgrounds to apply. To request reasonable accommodation, contact [email protected]