Oncology Nurse

Key and Critical Responsibilities

<ul><li>Provides holistic care for patients with cancer and their families with maximum scope of practice through protocols, practice guidelines/care paths and medical directives.<ul></ul></li><li>Conducts thorough health assessments of patients physical, psychological, cultural and spiritual needs by completing patient history and physical examination.</li><li>Utilizes the Nursing Process to plan nursing care that demonstrates sensitivity to patients diverse needs, communicated and clarified with patients and relatives.</li><li>Evaluates patients responses to interventions in order to determine progress toward achieving expected outcomes. Modifies the plan of care accordingly.</li><li>Ensures adherence to safe handling guidelines as specified by the Safe Handling of Chemotherapy Policy manual.</li><li>Ensures all care given is documented on the appropriate forms in legible writing with accurate time intervals.</li><li>Guides and support patients/relatives when dealing with stressful and emotional situations.</li><li>Collaborates with staff across the continuum to improve the referral system and follow-up care.</li><li>Interprets and organizes sequencing of diagnostic tests and procedures when nursing judgement and expertise is required. </li><li>Creates an environment of support and assists patients in identifying needs and concerns; and offers appropriate resources through information provision, education and referral.</li><li>Reviews and identifies areas of care provision within the unit for improvement and to develop strategies and mechanism to improve efficiency and/or patient experience. Gathers information and develops a proposal for consideration.</li><li>Acts as a proactive guide to help cancer patients navigate the complex maze of cancer treatment and care.</li><li>Collaborates with Health Safety & Environment department to ensure the environment is safe.</li><li>Participates in collection of information and statistics for Audit and Health Planning.</li><li>Addresses any complaints received from patients and/or their relatives.</li><li>Participates in the formulating of procedures, policies and protocols for the unit.</li><li>The Oncology Nurse will support and guide newly qualified staff through a mentorship system so that learners can gain the necessary competencies.</li></ul>