Chemotherapy / Infusion Registered Nurse (RN)

Chemotherapy / Infusion Registered Nurse (RN)

Position summary
The Chemotherapy / Infusion Registered Nurse provides specialized oncology nursing care within the Infusion Suite, coordinating and delivering immunotherapy and chemotherapy to adult and geriatric Veterans. The RN functions under the supervision of the Nurse Manager, maintains accountability for safe, high‑quality infusion care, and collaborates closely with the interdisciplinary team to optimize patient outcomes.

Key responsibilities

• Coordinate and deliver care to patients receiving antineoplastic and/or immunotherapy agents in the Chemotherapy/Infusion Suite.

• Identify physiological, psychological, social, and environmental factors affecting each patient’s functional status and treatment tolerance.

• Demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to care for adult and geriatric oncology patients at various stages of disease and treatment.

• Assess, monitor, and treat patient responses to chemotherapy/immunotherapy and hematology/oncology‑related health problems; proactively intervene to prevent complications and manage infusion/transfusion reactions and other emergencies.

• Review electronic and/or paper records for provider orders; administer intravenous and/or oral chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and related medications per protocol and medical center policy.

• Perform and/or manage interventions including, but not limited to:

  • Airway management and provision of BLS, including AED use.

  • Venipuncture and peripheral IV insertion.

  • Access and management of Port‑A‑Cath, PASPort, and PICC devices.

  • Tracheostomy and gastrostomy/PEG tube care.

  • Indwelling and intermittent urinary catheterization.

  • Blood and blood‑component transfusions.

  • Safe handling and spill management of chemotherapy agents.

  • 12‑lead ECG monitoring and point‑of‑care testing (e.g., blood glucose).

• Interpret laboratory values and other diagnostic data relevant to oncology care and notify providers promptly of abnormal or critical findings.

• Develop and implement individualized teaching plans; provide patient and family education on treatment, side effects, self‑care, and when to seek urgent care; coordinate referrals to other disciplines (e.g., nutrition, social work) as needed.

• Plan and implement interventions that promote health, enhance stability, and prevent complications; formulate alternative interventions for patients with unique needs.

• Accurately document assessments, interventions, patient responses, and education in approved VA forms and computerized systems; promptly report significant changes in condition to providers.

• Participate in interdisciplinary care conferences and team meetings; collaborate with colleagues to ensure seamless, patient‑centered care.

• Maintain responsibility for providing coverage to the Chemotherapy & Infusion Center as assigned.

• Adhere to professional nursing standards, Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) guidelines, and ethical principles; comply with all infection‑control and safety policies, including care for COVID‑19 positive patients and Patients Under Investigation (PUIs) when required.

Minimum qualifications

• Graduate of an accredited school of professional nursing approved by a State‑accrediting agency and accredited by ACEN, CCNE, or ANCC at the time of program completion.

• Current, unrestricted RN license in at least one U.S. state, territory, commonwealth, or the District of Columbia.

• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) from an American Heart Association–approved vendor; able to demonstrate CPR competency.

• Critical‑care‑level RNs must hold current Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification as required.

• Oncology‑specific training:

  • Minimum requirement: completion of the Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) Fundamentals of Chemotherapy Immunotherapy Administration Course.

  • Preferred: Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation (ONCC) certification and completion of competency requirements outlined in the Dimensions of Nursing Practice.

• Experience:

  • At least 2 years of recent (worked within the last 6 months) experience performing immunotherapy and/or chemotherapy on patients in an Infusion Suite.

  • Minimum of 2 years of direct patient‑care experience within the last 3 years.

• Demonstrated ability to assess complex clinical data, recognize and manage infusion‑related and oncologic emergencies, and collaborate effectively with an interdisciplinary team.

• Willingness and ability to care for COVID‑19 positive patients and PUIs using required PPE and protocols.