.7-.8 flex FTE

Summary

Responsible for the coordination of all services/systems to ensure an organized, multidisciplinary approach to the delivery of care to all adult Hematology/Oncology patients. Provides expert care incorporating principles and theories of nursing and related fields to achieve identified patient outcomes. Assists the Nurse Manager to ensure that the plan is carried out appropriately and consistently. Acts as a liaison to providers and other internal/external departments or providers to achieve the goals of the program by performing the following duties.

Essential Job Functions

Job functions are those tasks, duties, and responsibilities that comprise the means of accomplishing the jobs purpose and objectives. Job functions are critical or fundamental to the performance of the job. They are the major functions for which the person in the job is held accountable.

Assures the delivery of comprehensive cancer services through the coordination of and direct or indirect provision of expert patient care for the adult hematology/oncology population
Coordinates and monitors all phases of cancer services including: prevention/screening, diagnosis, treatment, survivorship, death and dying for patients and caregivers.
Maintains a retrievable electronic patient list that includes key information such as but not limited to name, DOB, patient status, treatment plan status.
Acts as a liaison between patients, physicians and the hospital in transitioning the patient throughout the health care system including inpatient and outpatient environments.
Coordinates with financial counselors to assure completion of financial assessments, verification of third party pay benefits and referrals for those patients with no/limited health care benefits, and completion of health care finance paperwork (medical necessity letters, appeal of denials, prior authorization).
Coordinates plan of care with chemotherapy/oncology team.
Routinely monitors service schedules. Adjusts appropriately to maximize effective, efficient patient flow through lab, clinic or infusion services.
Facilitates /coordinates scheduling of interdepartmental and external agency services (i.e. Radiology, etc.) related to the plan of care.
Documentation in the EHR is accurate, timely, and meets MMHC standards.
Coordinates long-term follow up of patients with their local/referring providers.
Maintains written/verbal communication with referring institutions and providers.
Provides coordinated and comprehensive patient care including assessment, care planning for expected outcomes, nursing interventions and evaluation using a multidisciplinary team approach
Applies nursing process to each patient and/or family based on experience, theoretical knowledge and clinical expertise.
Bases decisions made/actions taken on relevant/current scientific principles, established standards of care and/or research findings.
Performs an education needs assessment on all new patients.
Provides initial teaching to patients and caregivers, performs ongoing teaching to complex/ high-risk patients and caregivers.
Evaluates the effectiveness of teaching efforts and modifies education plan as needed.
Develops service specific patient/caregiver education materials.
Completes initial nursing assessment on all new patients, develops or coordinates development of individualized plans of care based on psychosocial needs, medical plan of care and health beliefs of the patient and caregivers.
Demonstrates expertise in caring for patients across the age continuum.
Coordinates and or participates in appropriate response to a life-threatening emergency.
Provides hands-on patient care by performing nursing assessments, assisting with or performing procedures, phlebotomy, IV therapy and other direct care as appropriate to keep patient flowing through service areas.
Triages incoming patient telephone calls.
Uses interpersonal and problem-solving skills to manage patient care/services in complex situations by mobilizing organizational and community resources
Exhibits positive professional behaviors on a consistent basis.
Communicates effectively with physicians, nurses, and other personnel in problem identification and resolution, taking appropriate action to resolve issues.
Completes projects and other duties on time and as assigned.
Promotes a continuous improvement philosophy for the identification and resolution of issues as a mechanism to enhance professional practice.
Demonstrates accountability for nursing practice and identifies own learning needs.
Actively participates in professional nursing organizations related to specialty.
Demonstrates self-motivated professional and personal development by assuming responsibility for continued learning. Seeks learning opportunities both internally and externally, applies knowledge gained to patient care delivery and shares with peers to positively impact practice.
Supports and participates in hospital wide and nursing-based teams, education, in collaboration with the Nurse Manager, designs, develops, implements, and evaluates the patient and staff education programs.
Participates in/leads departmental and or patient care meetings as assigned.
Assists the Nurse Manager and/or multidisciplinary team in quality improvement activities
Bases decisions made/actions taken on relevant scientific principles, established standards of care and/or research findings.
Identifies, defines and monitors measurable clinical indicators annually to maximize patient outcomes.
Collects, analyzes and presents data related to quality improvement activities.
Integrates information gained through quality improvement activities and clinical nursing research into practices.
Develops/revises/follows established standards of care, standards of practice and policies and procedures.
Develops and coordinates information documentation, education, and training related to the electronic health record and other clinical information systems utilized by oncology/chemotherapy staff and physicians.
Assist in the orientation of new employees.
Initiates action to manage unit issues and seeks assistance from the Nurse Manager appropriately.
Participates on committees or projects as requested by Nurse Manager.
Remains current in evidence-based cancer practice and new emerging trends.
Knowledge in current health care documentation principles and regulations and nursing practice as it relates to chemotherapy/oncology.
Successfully demonstrates professional nursing skills, competencies, and expected outcomes as required for a MMHC Registered Nurse.

Note: This job description does not state or imply that the above are the only duties and responsibilities assigned to this position. Employees holding this position may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this job description.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree from four-year college or university preferred
One to two years related experience and/or training
Or equivalent combination of education and experience.
3-5 years of oncology/hematology nursing practice preferred
ONS Fundamental of Chemotherapy Immunotherapy Provider Card within 6 months of hire
ONS Chemotherapy/Biotherapy Certificate required prior to expiration of Fundamentals Provider Card
Oncology Certification (OCN) preferred

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs)

Awareness of healthcare policies, regulations, and legal/ethical standards, including patients rights and privacy regulations ( like HIPAA)
Familiarity with patient assessment techniques and the ability to interpret patient data.
Knowledge of developing and implementing patient centered care plans.
Understanding of infection control protocols and safety procedures
Clinical Skills: Performing patient assessments, including monitoring vital signs and conducting physical examinations. Administering medications safely and accurately, including dosage calculations. Wound care, IV insertion, and other clinical procedures. Basic life support and first aid.
Clearly and effectively communicate with patients, families, and the healthcare team, including explaining complex medical information in an understandable manner.
Developing effective solutions to patient problems and adapting to changing situations.
Time Management and Organization- Supervising and delegating tasks to other nursing staff. Mentoring and guiding junior nurses.
Adaptability and Flexibility- Adapting to changing patient conditions, workloads, and healthcare environments. Embracing new technologies and evolving healthcare.
Attention to detail- Being precise and meticulous in administering medications, documenting information, and performing procedures to ensure patient safety and prevent errors.
Cultural Competence: Providing care that respects patients diverse cultural backgrounds, beliefs, and values. Acknowledging and addressing unconscious biases to deliver equitable care.
Ability to work independently and meet the demands of a Critical Access Hospital/ rural hospital environment.
Skilled at incorporating AIDET into professional practice.
Knowledge of role in patient confidentiality and protecting patient information from unauthorized access, use, or disclosure as defined by HIPAA.
Ability to respond quickly and decisively to emergency situations, while participating in shelter-in-place and disaster response protocols.
Ability to work with interdisciplinary teams, communicating effectively with patients, families, and healthcare providers.
Ability to demonstrate the knowledge and skills essential for providing care to specific patient populations.
Ability to lift, move, and position patients and equipment.

Preferred Qualifications

Previous experience in a Critical Access Hospital.
Knowledge of CAH-specific regulations and rural health challenges.

Licenses / Certifications

Maintains current license as RN in State of Minnesota
Maintains current CPR/BLS certification
Obtains and Maintains current ACLS certification within 6-12 months if not currently certified

Computer Skills

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook), secure messaging applications, and collaborative tools (e.g.) Microsoft Teams, Google Workspace. Proficient with Paycom and other Information Systems applicable to position, including knowledge of Emergency Preparedness Websites/MN Tra Internet software; order entry and order processing systems and ability to thoroughly document clinical services, maintain accurate patient records, and effectively utilize electronic health record (EHR) systems i.e. EPIC.

Reasoning & Critical Thinking

Apply logical problem-solving and decision-making skills in complex situations. Make sound decisions in real time, often under pressure (early warning signs, inconsistencies, potential complications) using critical thinking. - Analyze patient data, identifying issues, and making sound clinical judgements. Evaluate multiple approaches and propose innovative solutions with sound judgement. Able to work independently with limited supervision.

Language & Communication Skills

Adapt tone, style, and messaging for diverse audiences and contexts. Ability to write high quality drafts, proposals, reports, and presentations. Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one meetings as well as small and larger groups, i.e. employees, customers, vendors, community organizations, etc. Collaborate across departments to relay messages and coordinate care smoothly.

Mathematics & Analytical Abilities

Ability to accurately perform basic mathematical calculations in all units of measure using whole numbers, common fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations and in analysis of quality assurance data. Ability to understand bar graphs and other visual representations of data. Accurately record and interpret clinical measurements. Use EMR systems and care documentation tools to analyze data trends and support treatment.

Standards of Employment

Understand and adhere to MMHCs compliance standards as outlined in MMHCs Compliance Program.
Attend all mandatory education programs and demonstrate proficiency related to general safety and regulatory compliance.
Attend all department-specific training, and demonstrate proficiency related to safety and job-related hazards.
Understand and follow MMHC procedures for exposure control / blood borne and airborne pathogens.
Comply with all relevant MMHC policies, procedures, guidelines, and all other regulatory standards and requirements.
Attire is neat, clean, and appropriate for the work environment and according to MMHC policies.
Wear proper identification while on duty.
Maintain confidentiality of all MMHC and patient information at all times.
Report to work on time and maintain defined standards for attendance.
Attend mandatory meetings.
Able to perform essential job duties that meet job performance expectations and organizational standards while upholding MMHC mission and values.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and taste or smell. The employee must frequently lift and/or move (push/pull) up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 35 pounds. Lifting/and or moving of more than 35 pounds shall require the use of an assistive device or team member assist. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. Ability to meet physical demands of rural hospital/clinic work, including during emergency situations and/or disaster protocols.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts; needles or sharps; the challenges of variable hours, shifting resources, and work situations inherent in CAH/rural settings; Hazards and/or Biohazard Medications; fumes or airborne particles; toxic or caustic chemicals; outside weather conditions; risk of electric shock and radiation; bloodborne pathogens and exposed to latex. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Proficiency in utilizing electronic health records (EHR) systems for documenting patient information and accessing relevant data.