Oncology/Hematology Infusion Registered Nurse

Summary

The Infusion Registered Nurse in Oncology/Hematology is responsible for all elements of the nursing process when providing or supervising direct patient care. The nurse assesses - plans - implements - and evaluates care based on age-specific needs and assists with coordinating care focused on education - self-management - and patient satisfaction. The Infusion RN administers medications and procedures per established policies. This position is located at University Drive Pittsburgh VAMC.

Qualifications

Basic Requirements:

• English Language Proficiency
• In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7403(f) - no person shall serve in direct patient care positions unless they are proficient in basic written and spoken English
• Graduate of a school of professional nursing approved by the appropriate accrediting agency and accredited by one of the following accrediting bodies at the time the program was completed by the applicant: The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
• OR Individuals attending a master's level bridge program in nursing who have completed coursework equivalent to a bachelor's level degree in Nursing may have opportunity to become registered as a nurse with a state licensing board prior to completion of the bridge program
• Upon achievement of a State license - the individual may be appointed on temporary basis and later converted to a permanent appointment upon successful completion and graduation from the bridge program
• (Reference VA Handbook 5005 - Appendix G6)
• OR In cases of graduates of foreign schools of professional nursing - possession of a current - full - active - and unrestricted registration will meet the requirement for graduation from an approved school of professional nursing to warrant an appointment as a Nurse who has completed an associated degree/entry level Nursing education program
• Credit for foreign nursing education higher that associate degree/entry level requires a formal degree equivalency validation from a recognized equivalency evaluation accepted by VA such as International Consultants of Delaware (ICD)
• Current - full - active - and unrestricted registration as a graduate professional nurse in a State - Territory or Commonwealth (i.e. - Puerto Rico) of the United States - or the District of Columbia
• Graduate Nurse Technician (GNT) Exception: Candidates who otherwise meet the basic education requirements - but do not possess the required licensure - may be appointed at the entry step of the grade and level applicable to the completed nursing education as a GNT on a 120-day temporary appointment while actively pursuing licensure (may be extended up to two years on a case-by-case-basis.) NOTE: Grandfathering Provision - All persons currently employed in VHA in 0610 series and performing the duties as described in the qualification standard on the effective date of the standard (1/29/2024) are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the grade held including positive education and licensure/certification
• Grade Determinations: The following Scope - Education and Dimension criteria must be met in determining the grade assignment of candidates - and if appropriate - the level within a grade
• The Dimension requirements (Practice - Veteran/Patient Driven Care - Leadership - Professional Development and Evidence-Based Practice/Research) are detailed for each grade and level within the online assessment:
• Grade/Level Scope Education Nurse I - Level I Delivers fundamental - knowledge-based care to assigned clients while developing technical competencies
• An Associate Degree (ADN) or Diploma in Nursing - with no additional professional nursing required
• Nurse I - Level II Demonstrates integration of biopsychosocial concepts - cognitive skills and technically competent practice in providing care to clients with basic or complex
• An ADN or Diploma in Nursing AND 1 year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse I - Level 1 ;OR a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) with no additional professional nursing experience required
• Nurse I - Level III Demonstrates proficiency in practice based on conscious and deliberate planning
• Self-directed in goal setting for managing complex client situations
• An ADN or Diploma in Nursing AND 2 years of professional nursing experience in which one year is equivalent to Nurse I - Level 2
• OR a BSN and 1 year of professional nursing experience equivalent to the Nurse I - Level 2
• OR a Master's degree in nursing (MSN) and no additional professional nursing experience
• OR a Master's degree in a *related field with a BSN and no additional professional nursing experience
• Nurse II Demonstrates leadership in delivering and improving holistic care through collaborative strategies with others
• A BSN with 2 years of professional nursing equivalent to Nurse I - Level 3
• OR an MSN with one year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse I - Level 3
• OR a Master's degree in a *related field with a BSN and one year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse I - Level 3
• OR a Doctoral degree in Nursing with no professional nursing experience
• OR a Doctoral degree in a *related field with a BSN with no additional professional nursing experience
• Nurse III Executes position responsibilities that demonstrate leadership - experience and creative approaches to management of complex client care beyond the immediate practice setting
• MSN and 2 years of specialized nursing experience - one of which is equivalent to Nurse II and meets all dimension requirements for Nurse III
• OR a Master's degree in *related field with BSN and two years of specialized nursing experience - one of which is equivalent to Nurse II and meets all dimension requirements for Nurse III
• OR a Doctoral degree in Nursing with and one year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse II and meets all dimension requirements for Nurse III
• OR a Doctoral degree in a *related field with a BSN and one year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse II and meets all dimension requirements for Nurse III
• *Note: Foreign education programs/degrees are not creditable as related degrees
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit
• Physical Requirements: Heavy lifting (up to 35 pounds)
• heavy carrying (up to 35 pounds)
• straight pulling (2-4 hours)
• pushing (2-4 hours)
• reaching above shoulders (1-2 hours)
• use of fingers
• both hands required
• walking (4-6 hours)
• standing (4-6 hours)
• repeated bending (2-4 hours)
• both legs required
• ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously
• near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4
• far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and 20/40 in the other
• both eyes required
• ability to distinguish basic colors and shades of color
• hear (aid permitted)
• mental and emotional stability.

Duties

• Duties and Responsibilities include - but are not limited to: Infusion Nurse specializing in oncology - assigned duties encompass the comprehensive management and administration of intravenous therapies - with a primary focus on chemotherapy and other complex infusions for veteran patients
• This includes performing thorough patient assessments - initiating and maintaining various vascular access devices (e.g. - PICCs - central lines - peripheral IVs) - meticulously preparing and administering prescribed medications while adhering to strict safety protocols - and vigilantly monitoring patients for adverse reactions - side effects - and changes in condition
• A critical aspect of the role involves extensive patient and family education regarding treatment plans - potential side effects - and self-care strategies - alongside meticulous documentation and close collaboration with the interdisciplinary healthcare team to ensure coordinated - high-quality - and compassionate care for our nation's veterans
• Self-directed in goal setting for managing complex client situations
• Assumes responsibility for the coordination of veteran care
• Influences outcomes by collaborating with members of the interdisciplinary team
• Core elements of performance include knowledge and active participation in the unit/program level quality improvement process and initiatives/customer service programs and the ability to execute position responsibilities that demonstrate leadership - experience - and creative approaches to management of complex client care outcomes at the program or service level
• Obtain vital signs - perform comprehensive veteran assessments - and complete EKGs as ordered
• Use pretreatment checklists to verify physician orders and ensure safe handling and administration of hazardous drugs
• Assess and document each patient's physical status - psychosocial functioning - distress level - vital signs - height - weight - and any treatment- or disease-related symptoms
• Collect laboratory specimens as ordered and promptly report abnormal results
• Provide direct nursing care to patients receiving chemotherapy - biotherapy - and hormonal treatments before - during - and after therapy
• Deliver specialized care to veterans undergoing Bone Marrow Transplant or CAR-T cell therapy in both pre- and post-treatment phases
• Administer point-of-care infusions and injections
• Safely administer complex chemotherapy agents - biologics - monoclonal antibodies - hormonal therapies - and clinical trial medications across multiple routes in accordance with established protocols
• Maintain and monitor vascular access devices to ensure proper function and patient safety
• Monitor patients throughout infusions for side effects - toxicities - or hypersensitivity reactions
• Administer supportive medications as prescribed and escalate care or activate emergency protocols (e.g. - Condition A or C) when necessary
• Conduct post-treatment follow-up calls or coordinate follow-up with navigators
• Collaborate with Cancer Nurse Navigators and providers on treatment plans - schedules - and patient needs
• Coordinate communication between patients and providers regarding test results - missed appointments - and follow-up requirements
• Educate patients and families about treatment plans - expected side effects - and ongoing care
• Enter laboratory - consult - and clinic orders accurately and in accordance with policy
• Ensure timely - thorough - and accurate documentation of all patient care activities - including precise encounter code entry
• Maintain a clean and safe treatment environment by sanitizing chairs and equipment between patients
• Perform daily checks on glucometers - eye wash stations - and supply levels
• Monitor expiration dates and restock supplies as needed
• Refill blanket warmers and verify temperatures daily
• Maintain required professional certifications - including OCN and Chemo/Bio provider credentials - to support safe and competent oncology practice
• Preferred Experience: Outpatient/ Inpatient Oncology trained with experience administering chemotherapy - 2 years clinical experience General Infusion trained with experience administering general infusions - 2 years clinical experience VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package: VA Nurse Total Rewards Pay: Competitive salary - regular salary increases - potential for performance awards Paid Time Off: 50 days of paid time off per year (26 days of annual leave - 13 days of sick leave - 11 paid Federal holidays per year) Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Licensure: 1 full and unrestricted license from any US State or territory Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 8AM-4:30 PM Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

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The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States, providing care at 1,321 health care facilities, including 172 VA Medical Centers and 1,138 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics) to over 9 million Veterans enrolled in the VA health care program. VHA Medical Centers provide a wide range of services including traditional hospital-based services such as surgery, critical care, mental health, orthopedics, pharmacy, radiology and physical therapy. In addition, most of our medical centers offer additional medical and surgical specialty services including audiology & speech pathology, dermatology, dental, geriatrics, neurology, oncology, podiatry, prosthetics, urology, and vision care. Some medical centers also offer advanced services such as organ transplants and plastic surgery.

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