Nurse Specialist II

Provides primary nursing care to patients being evaluated for and/or treated. The nurse teaches and counsels patient and families, performs symptom identification and management, coordinates, schedules and monitors results of diagnostic studies, makes appropriate patient referrals, and triages patient phone calls. Responsibilities also include maintaining and cleaning emergency medical equipment, and providing a clinical resource, inclusive of teaching materials, for facility staff and patients. These functions are performed in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations and Georgetown University Hospital's philosophy, policies, procedures and standards.
Education

• Graduate of an accredited school of nursing required
• Bachelor's degree BSN required
• Master's degree preferred

Experience

• 1-2 years Experience in oncology nursing preferred

Licenses and Certifications

• RN - Registered Nurse - State Licensure and/or Compact State Licensure Current DC (District of Columbia) License of a Registered Nurse required

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Broad base of nursing knowledge and skills with an emphasis on oncology medications and treatments.
• Must be a mature person due to the variety of diagnoses and problems of chronically and acutely ill patients.
• Able to function independently and coordinate multiple aspects of the care.
• Must be organized, flexible, sincere and sympathetic to patient needs.

Teaching and counseling patients and families regarding treatments, side effects, medications, diagnostic tests, issues surrounding life changes, and necessary adaptations regarding diagnosis and treatment.Conducts initial nursing assessment on all patients, and documents and implements plan of care.Provides appropriate printed information available to patients and families.Makes appropriate referrals to outside agencies or professionals, such as visiting nurses, hospices, support groups, etc.Provides physical care to the patient, which may include vital signs, pain assessments, dressing changes, wound care, suctioning, monitoring IVs, administering medications, and drawing blood. Assists providers with exams (ie breast, pelvic, GI, prostate).Identifies patient problems and manages patient symptoms related to illness and/or treatment.Conducts telephone triage from patients. Determines if intervention is necessary, communicates with the appropriate provider, and documents accordingly. Calls in prescriptions, as needed.Obtains and monitors lab data and test results for current and follow-up patients. Documents results, and discuss with provider and patient.Schedules necessary diagnostic testing, and educates patient as to preparation and expectation of study.Secures necessary reports and documents to maintain quality assurance, and attends weekly chart rounds.Cleans and maintains medical equipment in accordance with OSHA guidelines. Checks emergency equipment daily to assure proper functioning.Orders and stocks medical supplies as needed.Develops patient teaching materials, regarding the management of side effects of treatment, etc.Maintains files for research protocols as deemed necessary by the primary team.Communicates with inpatient teams and radiation therapy teams to ensure safe handoff of care of inpatients.Performs other duties and responsibilities that are appropriate to the position and area. The above responsibilities are a general description of the level and nature of the work assigned to this classification and are not to be considered all-inclusive.

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