The Caner Center Registered Nurse Position is located in the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center Houston, TX in the Medical Service Line. The Cancer Center Staff Registered Nurse is organizationally responsible to the Nurse Manager or designee. The (RN) is responsible for providing direct patient care primarily to hematology and oncology patients. He/she shall independently perform critical tasks in assessing, initiating, monitoring and terminating treatment in a clinic setting. The nursing care being provided is under the direction and in cooperation with the medical director and in accordance with physician orders, MEDVAMC Policies, Procedures and Guidelines, OSHA, JCAHO, Commission on Cancer, Oncology Nursing Society, federal, state and local regulations. The Cancer Center RN is expected to support the VHA's vision, values, mission and customer service philosophy. It is expected that individuals in this position will follow the hospitals' policies and procedures to provide the highest level of patient care and most superior customer service possible. Responsible for displaying culture of veteran-centric service through values and customer service standards. Develops and maintains effective relationships with internal and external costumers through accurate and timely communication Takes initiative and action to resolve customer service issues with all customers in a timely manner and asks for assistance if the problem cannot be solved independently. Provides safe and effective patient care in compliance with company and contracted hospital standards, policies and procedures, as well as regulations set forth by the VHA, state, and federal agencies. Responsible for reporting all new or unusual incidents, information, complaints, or problems to the Nurse Manager. Works effectively with other registered nurses in the Cancer Center along with other members of the health team in the clinic and the hospital. Demonstrates skill in implementation of physician orders for patients undergoing treatments in the Infusion Room Administers chemotherapy utilizing appropriate techniques and assessment of outcomes including patient education and toxicity management. Able to manage and deliver care for complex patient situations incorporating age specific considerations for the patient requiring chemotherapy/biotherapy or other Hematology/Oncology interventions. Assesses subtle changes in patient's condition during chemotherapy/biotherapy administration that can indicate an impending emergency. Administers appropriate treatments for acute chemotherapy infusion reactions. Implements appropriate treatments for intravenous extravasations. Demonstrate proper use of PPE in handling chemotherapeutic agents and biotherapeutic agents Demonstrates proper documentations on safe chemo administration, monitoring for specific acute drug effects, patient and family education, and other post treatment considerations Practices proper disposal of chemotherapy wastes according to hospital policy. Assesses patients' responses to ordered treatments making appropriate adjustments and modifications to the treatment plan as indicated by the appropriately credentialed physician. Communicates problems or concerns to appropriately credentialed physician, patient hospital primary nurse and others as necessary. Responsible for the implementation, administration, monitoring, and documentation of patient's response to prescribed chemotherapy treatments, blood product transfusions, including appropriate notification of adverse reactions to physician and appropriate blood supplier. Collaborates and communicates with physicians and other staff to interpret, adjust, and coordinate patient care plan to ensure continuity of care. Accurately records all physician orders and treatment information in the individual patient medical record. Reports any significant patient information to the correct team member(s), including the physician. Appropriately and accurately completes any required documentation. All other duties dictated by patient care. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 7:00 am -4:30 pm with possible rotation as patient care dictates. Financial Disclosure Report: Not required EDRP: Not authorized
Providing Health Care for Veterans: The Veterans Health Administration is America’s largest integrated health care system, providing care at 1,255 health care facilities, including 170 medical centers and 1,074 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics), serving 9 million enrolled Veterans each year.
