Registered Nurse

Infusion Nurse- Oncology

Location: Simi Valley, CA

Description of Responsibilities

The Infusion Nurse is responsible for conducting comprehensive initial and ongoing assessments to develop and update individualized patient care plans. This role involves administering prescribed medications and managing venous access devices in accordance with clinical guidelines, manufacturer instructions, and regulatory standards. The nurse monitors patients throughout the infusion process, identifying and addressing any adverse reactions or complications, while educating patients and caregivers on medication administration, self-monitoring, and pain management. Maintaining strict adherence to infection control and aseptic techniques, the nurse ensures a safe care environment and supports a culture of safety and quality. Additional responsibilities include obtaining and communicating physician orders, documenting patient care accurately and timely, managing necessary supplies and infusion equipment, and participating in staff meetings and ongoing training to maintain clinical competencies.

Reporting Relationship

Director of Nursing or designee

Scope of Supervision

 None

Responsibilities of the Infusion Nurse include the following:

• Performs initial and ongoing assessments for each patient
• Monitors and maintains Venous Access Device sites and systems
• Administers ordered medications using manufacturer recommendations, any federal state regulations, and following MD orders. Reconstitute meds as needed to maintain stability.
• Follows the seven (7) medication rights which reduces the potential for medication errors.
• Performs venous punctures and maintains venous access devices following Infusion Nurse Society standards and Agency’s policy and procedures. Educates patient and family in self-monitoring of same.
• Assesses patient's condition, initiates, evaluates, and updates patient's plan of care, reporting significant clinical condition changes to appropriate health care provider typically physician, pharmacist, and supervisor.
• Observes patient's condition pre, during, and post medication infusion for effects, side effects and adverse reactions or complications to infusion medication. Educates patient and patient's caregiver in self-monitoring of same.
• Performs adequate assessment of patient's pain. Utilizes appropriate pain management. Educates patient and patient's family regarding pain management.
• Performs all aspects of patient care in an environment that optimizes patient safety reducing the likelihood of medical health care errors.
• Supports and maintains a culture of safety and quality.
• Obtains all necessary physician orders and collaborates with physician as patient's condition dictates.
• Re-evaluates the need for continued patient care on an ongoing basis documenting all communications with all health care providers involved with patient's care.
• Labels cannula, dressing, solution, reconstituted medication with pertinent information according to established protocols.
• Provides education to patient and/or caregiver on treatment and ongoing care.
• When required, obtains lab results, notifies physician with significant results.
• Maintains aseptic practices and infection prevention and control procedures.
• Obtains needed supplies and equipment to provide patient's care.
• Maintains and is knowledgeable in use of all infusion equipment.
• Participates as required in all agency in-services, and staff meetings.
• Adheres to all agency payroll, billing and documentation policies and procedures.
• Meets established guidelines for timely accurate patient documentation.
• Administers chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapies, supportive medications, and other specialty infusion medications in accordance with evidence-based guidelines, ONS standards, and organizational policies. 
• Verifies chemotherapy orders using independent double-check processes prior to administration.
• Confirms treatment parameters including laboratory values, body surface area (BSA), dosing calculations, treatment protocols, and physician authorization before initiating treatment.
• Utilizes hazardous drug handling procedures in accordance with current USP <800>, OSHA, NIOSH, and organizational policies. 
• Properly dons and removes required personal protective equipment (PPE) when handling hazardous medications. 
• Participates in hazardous drug spill management and follows spill response procedures.
• Accesses and manages implanted ports, PICCs, central venous catheters, and peripheral IVs according to INS standards.

Minimum Qualifications

• Current, active and in good standing registered nurse license in the state of employment
• Current BLS 
• Current ONS Provider Card
• Membership or affiliation with an association for infusion nurses preferred. 
• Valid Driver’s License and Insurance 
• Submit to a background check
• Minimum 2 years oncology infusion experience required
• Previous outpatient infusion center experience required

Physical Requirements

The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions in this job description: 

• Able to walk, kneel, transfer without assist and being able to assist patients to do same. 
• Able to manage weights over 100 pounds safely, such as patient partial transfer assist. 
• Vision and hearing within normal limits 
• Hand dexterity and strength sufficient to manipulate keyboard, access vials start IV's, program pumps, etc. 
• Adheres to all agency payroll, billing and documentation policies and procedures. 
• Meets established guidelines for timely accurate patient documentation. 

*Required*
Current, active and in good standing registered nurse license in the state of employment