RN Radiation Oncology

Overview Founded in 1955 Dignity Health – Northridge Hospital Medical Center is a 394-bed acute care nonprofit community hospital located in Northridge California. The hospital offers a full complement of award winning services including the Leavey Cancer Center a cardiovascular center stroke center the Center for Assault Treatment Services a pediatric medical center and the only pediatric trauma center in the San Fernando Valley. As a leading provider of compassionate high-quality and affordable patient-centered care we share a rich legacy with Dignity Health one of the nation’s five largest health care systems. We are part of a 21-state network of nearly 9000 physicians 62000 employees and more than 400 care centers. Visit dignityhealth.org/northridgehospital for more information. Comprehensive Cancer Center We’re committed to fulfilling the unique needs of each patient and their family, offering world-class care, support and guidance through every stage of the journey. Our Services Include Advanced cancer treatment options, including interventional, radiation and surgical oncology, and chemotherapy Life enrichment services, featuring patient navigation, nutrition, massage therapy, and more Patient education Preventative care State-of-the-art diagnostic testing Registered Nurse Radiation Oncology Northridge Hospital Works under the general supervision of the Radiation Oncology Clinical Supervisor. The radiation nurse assists the physician with patient consultations, follow-up exams, and coordinates all departments and persons in the HDR process. The radiation nurse interviews each patient at which time a nursing assessment is completed and education provided which is site specific. The radiation nurse coordinates with all interdisciplinary services for the patient. Responsibilities Clinic Day: a. Weight each patient; other vital signs as necessary (i.e. fever feeling faint) and document in ARIA. b. If new medications are ordered instruct the patient on dose route frequency possible side effects; and provide written educational material and document in ARIA. c. Give special instructions and demonstration for skin care bandages (i.e. wet desquamation). d. Order any additional test wanted by MD. e. At end of treatment instruct on skin care and follow-up appointment. Consultations: a. Check to make sure all records lab radiology reports and films slides if ordered by MD are present for MD at time of consult. b. If treated in radiation at another facility get summary radiation reports and films. c. While MD reviewing records get patient vital signs and show radiation educational video (12 min.). d. If to have radiation assist front office in getting necessary pre-treat exams and schedule for simulation. e. If Head and Neck case schedule for dental prophylaxis for making of fluoride stents which need to be brought in at time of simulation. f. If transportation difficulties assist patient by giving list of transportation companies or engage Navigator. Follow-Up Clinics: a. Ensure all needed lab x-ray special reports and films are available. b. Obtain vital signs before seen by MD. c. Assess radiation skin site for healing; assess site specific potential problems. Give nursing instructions where appropriate: vaginal dilator use self-breast exam skin care exercises for breast patients if limited ROM> d. Referral to multidisciplinary services as ordered by the MD; hospital and/or community (i.e. Speech Therapy Physical Therapy Home Health Care Hospice). e. Order all scans x-rays labels that MD orders and have copies go to primary care MD specialist MDs. f. Educate patient regarding support programs. g. Make sure patient understands when next appointment with radiation MD. Send to Front Desk for scheduling. Nursing Assessment/Educational Conference: a. Explain radiation routines: What day is On Treatment Visits (OTV) clinic day in which the MD sees each patient. Blood tests are done to check the CBC; radiation and chemo can lower these counts. Your treatment time stays the same; if you need a special time please talk to your therapist. Parking is in the Cancer Center lot on Roscoe. b. Take vital signed if not already obtained. c. Educate as to skin care show examples site specific areas (i.e. Head and neck use of fluoride stents mouth rinses possible mouth infections and report to MD/RN immediately nutritional needs self-care for esophagitis symptoms etc.). For each specific site give verbal and written protocol. Use teaching videos when appropriate (pain control fatigue etc.) d. Educate about the radiation field through use of the field photos. Have the patient point on his body the area to use Aloe and Eucerin. e. Check on DPOA-HC status if none give brochure and document if desired. Make arrangements for help in filling out these forms. High Dose Radiation Implants: a. Schedule surgical implants and coordinates with all departments/physicians: OR Ultrasound consulting MD (i.e. urologist) admitting. b. Schedule for history and physical at time of H&P teach about procedure and follow-up care send to the following: lab EKG chest x-ray and to Admitting with admitting orders/MD. c. Follow-up on discharge instructions and return appointment. d. At time of follow-up teach about possible short term and long term complications. Special Equipment: a. Order special equipment as needed (i.e. Gyn H&N) b. Take special equipment to surgery or Central Service for sterilization. Prostate Seed Implant: a. Schedule in ASC; Coordinate MD's Physicists and Therapists b. Pre and Post OP teaching c. Schedule all lab and exams pre and post OP d. Follow-up with telephone calls to home for two days. Performs other related duties as assigned or requested. Qualifications Minimum 3 years current acute care registered nursing experience in specialty area required Minimum of two years required as Radiology Oncology Nurse. Registered Nurse with current California License required. Successful completion of an accredited/approved Nursing program required. Basic EKG interpretation and basic critical care nursing concepts Current AHA BLS card required. LA City Fire Care required within 90 days of hire. This position is represented by 121 SEIU and is covered by the terms and conditions of the applicable collective bargaining agreement. Pay Range $50.44 - $71.80 /hour We are an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.