Job Description

Description

JOB SUMMARY AND SCOPE

Is responsible for all activities in connection with the Infusion Clinic, including scheduling, administration of treatments, record keeping, attendance at clinic, quality assurance follow up with the physician, and patient teaching.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Demonstrate clinical proficiency within scope of service
• Schedule Infusion Clinic appointments in accordance with physician orders; send out appointment cards specifying diagnostic studies required prior to appointment.
• Schedule treatments in accordance with physician orders
• Ensure all lab work is completed per physician order and on chart prior to administration of chemotherapy; consult with physician if lab values deviate from levels specified in orders or nurse assesses any changes in patient\'s physical condition.
• Coordinate with Registration Department all pertinent patient information prior to each visit
• Initiate an age appropriate nursing care plan for each patient
• Document all treatment and age appropriate nursing assessments of patient in accordance with Infusion Clinic Manual.
• Provide age appropriate patient teaching as appropriate and follow-up with each patient.
• Follow-up on cancelled appointments to ascertain reason and involve other agencies when necessary; i.e., Social Service, Community Health and Counseling, ect
• Report any adverse reaction to the consulting physician, or if not in attendance, have patient seen by Emergency Room Physician.
• Ensure patient safety.
• Participate in Organ/Tissue Donation program.
• Demonstrate ability to act rapidly and efficiently in emergency situations.
• Follow chain of command for reportable situations.
• Participate in quality assessment and improvement programs for nursing as assigned.
• Remain current in practice through attendance at in-services, seminars and workshops, and through relevant reading. Initiate and present in-service education programs based on seminars and workshops attended outside the hospital or in areas of interest.
• Will handle and be knowledgeable of all medical equipment and supplies utilized in the care of the patient.
• Assist in the planning, revision and implementation of policies, procedures and standards of care as directed by the nurse manager.
• Serve on hospital committees as assigned.
• Completes mandatory education.
• Participate in the implementation of planned unit changes and activities in collaboration with the Director.
• Knowledge of the hospital disaster, fire, bomb threat and evacuation plans as they pertain to the unit.
• Display knowledge and utilization of MSDS.
• Uses patient handling equipment appropriate to the needs of the individual patient in keeping with the Safe Patient and Handling and Movement Policy.
• Seeks out needed information by staying informed and involved by attending meetings, reading memos, policies, meeting minutes, newsletters, email and other appropriate information in a timely manner.
• Reliable attendance and punctuality, including observing appropriate break times and extending a scheduled shift when necessary to meet patient demands
• Performs duties in a safe manner, in compliance with all safety policies and procedures
• Complies with the Code of Conduct and all appropriate policies and procedures
• Other duties, as assigned, that are relevant to the position and department

Requirements

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Graduate of an accredited school of nursing
• Current licensure as a registered nurse in the state of Maine
• BCLS required
• ACLS certification completed within one year
• Experience in Oncology or Infusion Nursing preferred
• Skilled in IV Therapy
• Effective communication skills
• Flexibility in schedule
• Excellent organization skills
• Excellent assessment and documentation skills

PHYSICAL EFFORT AND ENVIRONMENT

Clinical: Frequently lifts up to 35 pounds independently. Frequently pushes/pulls 100 pounds using mechanical and other assistive devices. Walks, stands, kneels, bends most of the time. Exhibits fine motor skills and manual dexterity necessary to perform the essential job functions of the position. Visual acuity correctable to 20/20. Color vision is necessary. Normal hearing acuity.

EXPOSURE RISK

Exposure Category I: Employee at risk for exposure to blood borne pathogens.

QUALITY IMPROVEMENT

• Maintains current knowledge of the hospital-wide Quality Improvement Program.
• Collaborates with management to improve the effectiveness of the department through the Quality Improvement plans and processes.
• Participates in the departmental and hospital-wide Quality Improvement activities as directed by the manager.

COMPLIANCE

• Adheres to the federal, state, and local statutes and regulations.
• Adheres to the Compliance Program policies and procedures of Down East Community.
• Adheres to all Privacy and Security policies and procedures of Down East Community.
• Communicates any concern related to compliance issues to manager of department or Compliance Officer.
• Communicates any concern related to confidentiality issues to the Privacy Officer.

Down East Community Hospital