Radiation Oncology Nurse (m/f)

The Radiation Oncology Nurse at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center Croatia is responsible for assessing and managing symptoms during radiation treatments and monitoring patients pre and post radiology procedures. They will help evaluate the patient before treatment begins and talk to the patient about their treatment, the potential side effects, and their management. The Radiation Oncology Nurse manages and provides patient care activities for a group of patients and their families through the application of independent judgment, communication, and collaboration with all team members. The role of the Professional Staff Nurse encompasses leadership, partnership, collaboration, and supervision. The Radiation Oncology Nurse establishes and maintains collaborative relationships with physicians, other health care providers, patients, and their families, to achieve desired patient outcomes throughout the continuum of care. The Medical Oncology Nurse demonstrates a commitment to the community and to the nursing profession. They must also demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to his/her age-specific needs and to provide the care needs as described in the department policy and procedures. Responsibilities: - Ability to establish and maintain positive, caring relationships with executives, managers, physicians, non-physician providers, ancillary and support staff, other departments, and patients/families - Critical thinking skills necessary to exercise and to lead others in application of the nursing process. Mobility and visual manual dexterity - Ability to work productively and effectively within a complex environment, handle multiple/changing priorities and specialized equipment - Good clinical judgment with critical thinking, analytical and problem-solving abilities required as related to various aspects of patient care - Prepares patients for procedures: Includes checking and verifying vital signs, meds, NPO status, lab results, and medical history - Monitoring patients’ health during treatment to ensure they are responding well to treatment and to identify any adverse reactions to treatment - Provides post-procedure monitoring: Includes observing for signs and symptoms of complications, such as bleeding from the puncture site, pain, and/or changes in mental status or vital signs - Effectively communicates information regarding the patient’s condition, illness, radiation therapy, and treatment plan - Coordinates and documents appropriate discharge planning and referrals to ensure continuity of care after discharge - Supervising technicians who assist with administering treatments - Serves as a highly engaged and full partner on the care team and responds willingly to care team member needs for assistance and partnership - Participates in work that improves patient care and the professional practice environment. Adapts to change and demonstrates flexibility with the change process - Applies the nursing process within the framework of relationship-based care to create a healing environment - Patient documentation is comprehensive and promotes communication between caregivers - Incorporates national professional organization as well as the hospital's goals to improve patient safety, quality, and satisfaction - Creates a caring and compassionate patient focused experience by building healing relationships with patients, families, and colleagues - Supports the development of new staff and colleagues; may serve as a preceptor - Utilizes research and evidence-based practice to support improvement in clinical care; identifies research issues or articles related to clinical specialty or areas of interest, discusses opportunities for quality improvement at multidisciplinary rounds, and influences patients' plans of care - Develops and maintains productive working relationships internally and externally by demonstrating accountability for actions, enthusiasm, motivation and commitment to patients and colleagues - Demonstrates an understanding of cultural differences and holds peers accountable for healthy relationships - Communicates any safety hazards identified in the workplace to management and peers - Ensures that the most accurate information can be shared with their patient to help them make a better, informed decision - Performs other duties as assigned

Education and Knowledge Requirements: - Minimum six (6) months' experience is required. - Bachelor of Nursing is preferred. - Ability to establish and maintain positive, caring relationships with executives, managers, physicians, non-physician providers, ancillary and support staff, other departments, and patients/families. - Ability to work productively and effectively within a complex environment, handle multiple/changing priorities, and specialized equipment. - Good clinical judgment with critical thinking, analytical, and problem-solving abilities required as related to various aspects of patient care. - Critical thinking skills are necessary to exercise and to lead others in the application of the nursing process. Mobility and visual manual dexterity. - Physical stamina for frequent walking, standing, lifting, and positioning of patients. - Proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking Croatian is required. Proficiency in English is a plus.