Oncology Surgical Registered Nurse (RN) – Breast Surgery – Medical Center – Houston, Tx

Responsibilities:

• Plan, implement, coordinate, evaluate and promote the continuity of care consistent with established standards and practices.
• Assesses health status by interviewing patients regarding status and medical history.
• Collects and records nursing assessment and interventions.
• Reviews and reports the results of the health status assessment and physical examination, pertinent laboratory data, radiographic data, and psychosocial assessment of assigned patients to the provider.
• Provides psychosocial support to patients and families.
• Maintains patient confidentiality.
• Assures pre-authorization and appropriate consent forms are obtained prior to procedures where applicable.
• Reinforces education when needed to patients and their families regarding their diagnosis, treatment options, and available resources
• Identifies potential and real gaps in care delivery; seeks out opportunities for avoidance and/or closure
• Prepares for, organizes, and leads the Patient Care Conference (huddle) at regular intervals
• Provides emotional support; delegates and/or make referrals for additional screening and support as needed
• Oversees care coordination in conjunction with multidisciplinary team
• Maintains work environment
  • Restocks the supply area as needed
  • Follows OSHA guidelines when handling cytotoxic agents, biohazardous waste and any other material potentially infected with a blood borne pathogen.
  • Maintains all disinfection protocols.
  • Maintains equipment according to quality control standards.
• Facilitates clinical operations and patient care from diagnosis to post-op
  • Manages patient medication refill requests from the pharmacy telephone line and records the information in the patient chart.
  • Assists physician with exams and procedures.
  • Facilitates and schedules consultations, pre-testing, diagnostic tests or procedures, referrals, and future appointments for patients.
  • Triages patient phone calls as needed and documents relevant information in the patient’s chart.
  • As necessary, facilitates communication between patient/family and interdisciplinary team and coordinates services related to patient care.
  • Assist patients in locating available community resources
• Inter professional collaboration
  • Acts as a resource to LVNs and Medical Assistants
  • Provides coverage to satellite offices as needed
  • Participates in professional development activities and maintains knowledge of surgical nursing (specialty specific) by participating in ongoing education.

Qualifications:

• Graduate from an accredited program for professional nursing education, BSN preferred.
• RN state license and current registration with the State Board of Nursing in practicing state.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
• Must maintain continuing education requirements.
• Demonstrates espertise in surgical oncology nursing
• Works under minimal supervision, providing advanced professional nursing care.
• Acts as a resource to LPNs/LVNs, medical assistants, and less experienced nurses, serving as a mentor/preceptor
• Entry level – 0-3 years nursing experience, oncology experience strongly preferred

• Minimum three (3) years of nursing experience, oncology experience strongly preferred

• In addition to levels I and II:
• • Minimum five (5) years nursing experience, including at least one year in oncology strongly preferred
  • Oncology certification preferred

• Demonstrated leadership, interpersonal and collaboration skills
• Ability to apply the full nursing process in day-to-day clinical operations, including assessment, analysis and nursing diagnosis, care planning, implementation, and outcomes evaluation
• Ability to assess health disparities, identify needs of populations and cultures found within the general facility service area, describe a patient navigation process to address those needs, and document outcomes
• Ability to prioritize and re-prioritize quickly in a fast-paced setting
• Strong organizational and critical thinking skills
• Strong verbal and written communication skills