Oncology Registered Nurse

Reports to:
          Chief Nurse/Clinical Coordinator

Class:                   Full-Time

                             (The Employee is required to work as scheduled, including days, nights, evenings, weekends, on-                             call and Public Holidays.)

Primary Role:

Doctors Hospital is a multidisciplinary health care facility that provides support for a wide variety of Surgical, Medical and Urgent Care specialties. The Registered Nurse – Oncology is expected to provide exceptional patient care in an environment where quality, respect, caring and compassion are at the center of all we do and to provide professional nursing skills in assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating the nursing care for assigned patients. All while providing exceptional therapeutic care.

Responsibilities Specific to Oncology

• Coordinates care of oncology patients with oncology team, including oncologist.
• Manages transitions of care and support for the patient and family/carer across the oncology treatment pathway.
• Liaises with the consultant oncologist for advice where necessary to be able to answer a patient query.
• Administers chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and other oncology treatments.
• Implements physician-guided strategies to monitor and manage treatment-related side effects, adjusting nursing care plans as appropriate.
• Assesses cancer-related pain and administers pain management interventions in alignment with oncologist directives.
• Observes and manages cancer-related symptoms (e.g., nausea, fatigue, loss of appetite) as per oncologist’s recommendations.
• Delivers patient education on symptom management and coping techniques in coordination with the oncology care plan.
• Educates patients and families about cancer diagnoses, prescribed treatments, and potential side effects, as directed by the physician oncologists.
• Provides nursing input and patient guidance on post-treatment care, survivorship planning, and palliative care in collaboration with the oncology team.
• Offers ongoing emotional, physical, and educational support to patients and families throughout the cancer treatment journey, following the care model established by the oncology physician.
• Trains staff during orientation periods as well as existing staff with chemotherapy administration.
• Contributes to the identification of training needs pertinent to the clinical area.

Responsibilities:

• Direct Patient Care
• Provides direct nursing care to assigned patients, ensuring individualized needs are assessed and met.
• Performs patient admissions, transfers, and discharges; assists patients with daily activities and care.
• Delivers designated nursing interventions and treatments aligned with the medical care plan.
• Executes physician’s orders accurately and safely, including administering medications, initiating IVs, and performing procedures and special tests.
• Provides pre- and post-operative care and emergency response as needed.
• Assessment and Planning
• Takes nursing histories, assesses physical and psychological status, and identifies nursing diagnoses and patient care needs.
• Plans and evaluates nursing care in collaboration with the healthcare team.
• Reassesses patients regularly and revises care plans and interventions based on patient response and condition changes.
• Ensures care plans are activated and documented upon admission.
• Monitoring and Documentation
• Observes and records clinical signs, symptoms, and behaviors; monitors changes in condition.
• Communicates significant changes to appropriate medical and nursing staff promptly.
• Efficiently documents all nursing care, interventions, instructions, and patient responses in a timely, professional, and legible manner.
• Ensures patient privacy and confidentiality in all documentation and interactions.
• Communication and Collaboration
• Maintains effective interdisciplinary communication, participating in ward and hospital meetings.
• Provides timely communication of concerns or issues to the Clinical Coordinator.
• Collaborates with physicians, nurses, patients, and families to develop and implement care plans.
• Education and Patient Support
• Educates patients and families about treatment plans, procedures, medications, and health management.
• Assesses patients’ understanding and compliance with instructions and provides necessary clarification.
• Participates in health promotion initiatives and supports patients throughout the continuum of care.
• Professional Development and Leadership
• Acts as a preceptor or supervisor for students and new staff, supporting clinical induction and ongoing learning.
• Participates in CME/CNE sessions and maintains a professional portfolio.
• Identifies opportunities for nursing research and contributes to continuous learning within the clinical area.
• Demonstrates leadership qualities and serves as a positive role model.
• Compliance and Professional Conduct
• Adheres to all hospital policies, procedures, and infection control standards.
• Follows proper aseptic techniques and isolation procedures.
• Demonstrates compliance with the Cayman Islands Nursing and Midwifery Council standards and the Canadian Nurses Association Code of Ethics.
• Maintains professional appearance, wears ID badge, and adheres to attendance and punctuality guidelines.
• Participates in audits and quality improvement initiatives.
• Administrative and Other Duties
• Attends staff meetings and keeps up-to-date with internal communications.
• Assists other departments as needed based on patient flow and hospital requirements.
• Performs additional duties as assigned to support patient care and hospital operations.

Other Duties:

• The employee, as part of his/her job description shall take part in the activities of any committee that he/she is assigned by his/her supervisor and is expected to attend all scheduled meetings. The employee further agrees to be an active participant in assigned activities related to Doctors Hospital attaining and maintaining Joint Commission International (JCI) Accreditation.

Qualifications / Knowledge Requirements:

• At least 5 years Medical/Surgical/Emergency care/ Critical care experience with minimum 2 years experience in Oncology.
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) or Diploma in Nursing together with a Post Basic BScN degree.
• Must have completed a Chemotherapy Immunotherapy Administration course from an accredited provider.
• Knowledge of supportive care principles and techniques for oncology patients.
• Current certification in Basic Life Support (BLS) required by start date.
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Certificate preferred upon commencement, otherwise to be acquired within one (1) year.
• Current certification in Pediatric Advance Cardiovascular Life Support (PALS) preferred upon commencement, otherwise to be acquired within one (1) year. Required for those Nurses working in Urgent Care/ OPD Department.
• Experience in hospital setting and understanding of hospital operations.

Accountability:

The Registered Nurse – Oncology will be accountable to the Chief Nurse with secondary reporting lines to his/her designate: The Clinical Coordinator – Medical Surgical Unit, and the Outpatient Department.

Travel:

None expected.

Additional Skills & Abilities:

• Display evidence of continuing professional development.
• Computer skills essential.
• Critical thinking skills and multitasking
• Have excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrate working well as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Demonstrate focus on Quality.
• Demonstrates adequate stamina for long working hours and patience to cope with anxiety.
• Demonstrate evidence of ability to empathize with and treat patients, relatives and colleagues with dignity and respect – provides therapeutic care.

Physical, Mental & Environmental Requirements:

• Requires heavy lifting: minimum of 15 pounds.
• Requires standing for long periods of time.
• Requires ability to work in fast paced environment.
• Requires flexibility and team work approach. Must be willing to work in any area.
• Requires positive personality and consistent interpersonal skills.
• Requires professional dress and appearance. Well-groomed, with minimal perfume.

All requirements may be modified to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.

This job description does not list all the duties of the job.