A Clinical Nurse III, Oncology (CN III), is a proficient and expert clinician who provides nursing efficiently and effectively using a high standard of technical and organizational skills as well as critical thinking ability. Possesses an in depth knowledge in all aspects of nursing care for Oncology patient population and consistently applies specialized knowledge and skills in the management of nursing care for individual or groups of patients and their families. A CN III is regarded as a resource for staff on patient care issues.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provides and accurately documents nursing process components and relevant interventions for direct and indirect Oncology patient care services that ensures the safety, comfort, personal hygiene, and protection of patients in a timely manner.
• Provides direct and indirect comprehensive care services to complex patients, including, but not limited to, the administration of medications and therapeutic agents needed to implement treatment, disease prevention, or rehabilitative plan of care.
• Performs skin tests, immunizations, phlebotomy and the initiation of peripheral venous access.
• Observes, evaluates and expeditiously alters plan of care based on signs and symptoms of illness, reactions to medications/treatments, general behavior, and/or general physical condition.
• Plans and implements individualized patient care in collaboration with interdisciplinary teams based on observations. Implements appropriate reporting, referrals and care in accordance with standardized procedures. Initiates emergency procedures when indicated.
• Provides care to special patient populations and patients with diverse cultural backgrounds. Identifies patient’s readiness for learning and ability to follow directions/instructions and give consent.
• Makes special adjustments to patient care to the specific populations needs, including cultural, spiritual, age, psychosocial, communication, gender, sexual orientation, economic, education, family and condition needs.
• Identifies and assesses patient safety concerns with respect to age and developmental considerations. Intervenes to provide a safe environment and evaluates efficiency of intervention for patient.
• Provides assistance to co-workers, new staff, temporary staff and students and may serve as a preceptor.
• When assigned charge nurse responsibility, coordinates unit activity throughout the shift, including the authorization of incidental overtime, initiates chain of command as appropriate.
• Participates in at least 50% of unit meetings and provides constructive input to assist in unit direction.
• Functions as a change champion and agent and participates in departmental quality improvement activities.
• Participates in the completion of required skills and proficiencies.
• Establish IV access utilizing peripheral or central catheters per protocol. Drug should only be prepared once an IV access is established and labs verified.
• Administer IV therapy as ordered by MD.

Education:

Associates Degree/College Diploma required. Bachelor's degree of Science in Nursing (state accredited program) preferred.

License/Certification:

• RN California state license required.
• Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) from American Heart Association or American Red Cross required.
• ONS Chemotherapy and Biotherapy required.
• OCN Oncology Certified Nurse required.
• Advance Oncology Certificate Nurse preferred.

Experience:

Three (3) years of RN experience in an acute care setting required. Three (3) years of experience in an Oncology specialty area high preferred.