Oncology Nurse Practitioner

Overview

Under the direction of a physician, the nurse practitioner plans, assesses, implements, and evaluates total nursing care to oncology patients. Orders, performs, and interprets laboratory and diagnostic testing. Performs therapeutic treatment and provides patient care directions to nursing and other staff. May prescribe medication, provide emergency care, and make patient referrals to an appropriate licensed physician. Requires Nurse Practitioner certification.

• Perform daily rounds of patients on inpatient and ambulatory service. Evaluate patients new to the service and write consults. Follow patients for continued provision of care by the Service; communicate with the managing physician daily to co-develop care plans and consultation recommendations.
• Delivery of healthcare to cancer patients.
• Provide level of care and intervention consistent with the highest quality. Facilitate optimal length of stay and arrange for discharge and follow up care.
• Write orders for patients in the assigned area (examples: order PT and OT evaluations for short term rehab assessments; administer appropriate medications for cough, constipation, nausea/vomiting, and headache; assess surgical sites and drains, ensuring proper capture of outputs; order and follow up on laboratory tests and x-rays; complete appropriate order sets).
• Round on designated patients and ensure patients meet criteria for monitoring; consult with the ordering physician to discontinue when necessary.
• Assist in the management of patients at the request of the physician; refer pertinent issues to the appropriate healthcare professional.
• Manage patients in the multidisciplinary center and radiation oncology; assist in clinics with oncology providers; document in patients’ charts as needed; meet regularly with staff to solve unresolved patient issues, facilitate admission transfers and discharges, increase patient compliance, avoid insurance denials, reduce delays in service; collaborate with the healthcare team in planning, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating comprehensive oncology care for patients and families;
  
  participate in planning, development, and presentation of special projects; plan, provide, and coordinate patient/family and staff education for those involved in cardiac patient care; assist with implementing research findings and monitoring impact on patient care outcomes; participate in performance improvement initiatives and quality monitoring.
• Active in cancer events, cancer committee, and serve as a role model for staff engagement in the cancer center mission.
• Serve as a liaison between the physician and other members of the healthcare team to develop comprehensive care plans for oncology patients.
• Demonstrate the ability to prioritize and provide direction when workloads change during a crisis; demonstrate knowledge and skills to provide care appropriate to the patient age group.